Speculation over David de Gea’s future is already mounting, with the betting odds for the goalkeeper’s next move making for interesting reading after his departure from Manchester United was confirmed.
After months of uncertainty, the 32-year-old Spaniard revealed he would be leaving Old Trafford this summer after 12 years with the club.
The decision to exit United comes after player and club failed to reach an agreement over contract negotiations amid reports Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has his sights set on acquiring the services of Inter Milan shot stopper Andre Onana.
In a statement released on Twitter, De Gea, who won five major trophies with United since joining from Atletico Madrid as a 21-year-old for £18.9million in 2011, said: "I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters.
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"I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years. We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club. I took incredible pride everytime I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers.
"It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together.
"Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings.
"Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me.
"We’ve seen it all.”
Where those new surroundings will be remains to be seen. However, the betting odds for De Gea’s new club indicate a range of potential destinations for the Spanish international.
According to oddschecker, the odds on De Gea following other former Premier League stars such as N’Golo Kante and Roberto Firmino to the Saudi Pro League are currently even.
Were that to materialise, it would be yet another statement of intent from the Middle Eastern nation who hope to grow the country’s footballing pedigree ahead of a potential bid to host the 2030 Men’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, a return to De Gea’s former club Atletico Madrid is 5/2, while a move to France is at 5/1. The odds on a move to China, Germany, or Italy are all 12/1.
However, the most popular bet by some stretch, according to the betting comparison site, is for De Gea to join Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint Germain.
Trailing PSG in the betting are the likes of Juventus, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.
Topics: David De Gea, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League
George Nash