Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Bodo Illgner feels that the Spanish football club no longer require the services of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. The Spanish goalkeeper has been on Real Madrid’s radar for the last couple of seasons but the current goalkeeper of Real Madrid, Keylor Navas has been clinical in helping the club reach the summit of La Liga.
Keylor Navas had missed the first few games of the season for Real Madrid due to an Achilles injury that he had suffered. But the 29-year-old was very impressive upon his return to the club. The Costa Rica international has helped Real Madrid take sixteen points from a possible 18 in La Liga but he did concede six goals in three games for Madrid in the Champions League.
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"With Navas, Real Madrid has an excellent goalkeeper who has played super last season," the European and World Cup winner told German website Real Total. "Because of his injury, he has to find his rhythm and form, but I think the goal with him and Kiko Casilla is very well occupied.”
David de Gea was close to moving to the Spanish capital from Manchester United on deadline day in the summer, but both clubs were unable to complete the transfer on time. But with Keylor Navas consistently performing well for Madrid, Illgner feels going after De Gea is no longer a necessity.
De Gea later extended his contract with Manchester United after signing a new four-year deal back in September 2015. Ever since then, the Spanish goalkeeper has been one of the most impressive players in the Manchester United squad.
"I do not think we necessarily again have to conduct hell-bent in the way the transfer of De Gea. Of course, I can not rule out this. Especially at Real Madrid, you have the claim to get the very best. And that De Gea is among the very best in his position; he shows week after week [for United] in the English League and Europa League,” Bodo stated.
“He has also found his place in the Spanish national team. Nevertheless, I do not consider it necessary to invest a great many millions into a position that is already very well occupied," he added.
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Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez has also suggested that it would be "difficult" to sign the Manchester United No.1 especially since Keylor Navas hasn’t put a foot wrong. "I am not the one who has to decide," said Perez, "I would say it is very difficult to manage two great players in that position."
Manchester United sit in 6th place in the Premier League table after bringing an end to a four-match winless streak with a 3-1 win against Swansea City on Sunday.
