What normally would be a simple transfer from one admirable football club to another has quickly become a bit more complicated… and goalkeeper David de Gea is stuck in the middle.

The drama began after Real Madrid, a top football club based in Spain, tried signing de Gea on the night of August 31^st, just hours before the deadline for summer transfers closed. However, the required paperwork did not reach the Real Madrid offices in a timely matter and the deal dissolved, much to fans’ disappointment. In fact, many football fans and officials alike agree the deal was unprofessionally dealt with.

Although de Gea’s transfer did not go through in time, Madrid still had an opportunity to sign the goalkeeper by using legal action to force the deal through. However, on the evening of September 1^st, the date the transfer window closed, Manchester United filed an official statement that seemingly took the blame off their shoulders and placed it on those of Real Madrid. According to their disclaimer, the offer from Real Madrid for Keeper David de Gea was not made until the final day of transfers. The deal included trading de Gea from Manchester and Keylor Navas (another keeper) of Madrid. Although they initially agreed on a transfer and the paperwork went through, Manchester United claimed that “David’s documentation was returned by Real Madrid to Manchester United without the signatory page” with minimal time left until the window closed. Concluding their statement, the Premier League team added that the information presented could be verified by the Football Associate. The closing statement reads, “Manchester United acts appropriately and efficiently in its transfer dealings. The club is delighted that its fan-favourite double Player of the Year, David de Gea, remains a Manchester United player.”

Regardless of fault, de Gea ended up signing a new four year contract with Manchester United and for now, fans of the Red Devils seem content with the choice.