David de Gea contract: Why Manchester United goalkeeper is set to be paid so much

David de Gea will sign his new, six-year contract with Manchester United when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s club return from their pre-season tour to the Far East next week and emerge richer to the tune of £110 million.

United agreed the £375,000-a-week deal, that will keep the Spain international at Old Trafford until 2025, to end months of uncertainty.

It had appeared likely that United would have to sell the 28-year-old this summer, with De Gea scheduled to become a free agent in 12 months.

The Sanchez problem

Paris Saint-Germain were the most enthusiastic suitor for De Gea despite the goalkeeper’s form having dipped during United’s tempestuous season.

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Part of the problem lay with United’s signing of Alexis Sanchez 18 months ago when executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward sanctioned a contract worth as much as £400,000-a-week.

That decision completely shifted United’s wage structure and led to prolonged negotiations with De Gea who was looking for a salary on a par with his Chilean teammate.

Blades to benefit

Having agreed the new, long-term contract over the weekend, the formalities will be completed once United return from their current tour.

The development has had a residual benefit for Premier League newcomers Sheffield United with United’s highly-rated 22-year-old Dean Henderson expected to return to Chris Wilder’s team on loan, after helping them win promotion.

Solskjaer had delayed making a decision on Henderson’s future until the De Gea situation was resolved and is now happy for the youngster to gain regular first team experience with the Blades.