David de Gea left out of Europa League final – what does that mean for Real Madrid?

Real Madrid transfer target, Manchester United’s goalkeeper David de Gea, was left on the bench for the Europa League final by Jose Mourinho. What does that mean for Real Madrid?

It’s no secret that Real Madrid are after the signature of Manchester United’s keeper David de Gea. With Real Madrid President Florentino Perez reportedly ready to move on from Keylor Navas, de Gea is increasingly looking like the most likely option to replace Navas between the sticks at Madrid.

I wrote a few months ago about how de Gea is the most likely replacement at Madrid. He is a young Spanish superstar used to bailing out teams with shaky defensive systems. His awkward but uncanny shot-stopping abilities liken him to former Real Madrid goalkeeping legend Iker Casillas.

And Real Madrid have tried to get his signature before. A last-minute deal for de Gea collapsed at the final moment due to supposed fax machine difficulties. Uncle Flo (Perez) is not one to be denied a shiny new toy, so chances are he’ll make de Gea a top priority this summer.

El Presidente’s dreams of signing de Gea just got a major boost. Manchester United are playing in the finals of the Europa League. Given that this is an opportunity to win major European silverware, and to get into next year’s Champions League, you would think Jose Mourinho would roll out his strongest possible side.

But the Red Devils’ coach has decided to go with their backup goalkeeper, Argentinian Sergio Romero. Newsweek reports that Mou dropped de Gea because he promised a team spot to Romero in one of the team’s last two matches.

In fact, Mourinho is so confident in Romero’s abilities that he is preparing to hand Romero the starting goalkeeper spot next season.

What does that mean for Real Madrid?

All signs point to Madrid scooping up David de Gea in the summer. The Newsweek article reports that de Gea is “disspirited” by Mourinho’s decision to leave him out of the important European clash, and is therefore ready to move on.

More from The Real Champs

• The Xabi Factor: What Alonso could bring to Real Madrid as manager
• Manchester City hold talks over Real Madrid target
• Real Madrid player confirms he is playing with a fracture
• Real Madrid superstar rejected Premier League clubs confirmed
• Spaniard ready to join Real Madrid instead of Liverpool

There is something of a chicken vs. egg question going on here. Did de Gea ask to leave because Mourinho dropped him, or did Mourinho drop him because de Gea wanted to leave?

Ultimately, the answer to that question is of little importance for Florentino Perez. All that matters is that he gets de Gea’s signature on paper.

That, and making sure the fax machine actually works this time…