Will Victor Valdes replace De Gea at Manchester United?

The battle of the Spanish goalkeepers is on in Old Trafford, as the club managed by Louis Van Gaal announced this week the signing of Victor Valdes.

The former Barcelona goalkeeper and five time Zamora trophy to the best goalkeeper in Spain winner, had ended his contract with Barca back in June, and had not found a club that would be willing to sign him during his rehabilitation period.

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Valdes tore his ligaments playing for the Blaugranas last spring, when it was rumored he had arrived to an agreement to sign for Monaco.

The club from the Principate was gearing up for a great summer, as they aspired to have a team led by Valdes in goal, James and Di María in the middle and Falcao upfront.

But the goalkeeper’s injury threw everything down the drain. Di María’s amazing close to the season, including his impressive World Cup with Argentina, skyrocketed his price and saw him join Manchester United, same destiny as Colombian striker Radamel Falcao, who didn’t want to waste another season in Ligue 1 unless he had a shot at the Champions League. “El Fideo’s” transfer cash at Real Madrid prompted the Whites to sign wonder­kid James Rodriguez, confirming the final depletion of Monaco’s talent show.

Now, after failing a physical with the French side and not reaching an agreement with Liverpool, Victor Valdes has finally inked a contract with Manchester United, where he will join Falcao and Di Maria, but more importantly, where he will compete with David De Gea, who could be eyeing an escape plan from Old Trafford.

The Spanish youngster has been reeling in impressive performances this season week after week, so much so that he can be considered Spain’s National Team starting goalkeeper at this point. Because of this Real Madrid is rumored to be willing to put up to 40 million euro on the table to bring in the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper to Santiago Bernabeu next season.

De Gea’s contract is up in 2016 and he has been consistently pushing negotiations with United’s board away, and filtering to the press that he is not interested in staying in England past his 25th birthday. As such, the Merengues will try to convince Van Gaal that the best option is to sell De Gea this upcoming summer and still cash in on the 35 million euro investment the club made four years ago

But Van Gaal, being the ever present methodical planner, has made a quality move in the market. He has brought in Valdes as a solid and consolidated replacement for De Gea, should the young star decide to leave this upcoming summer. Then, he will try and woo Newcastle into selling him Tim Krul, who reached worldwide stardom when Van Gaal subbed him in against Costa Rica in over time during the last World Cup as he is a “specialist” at stopping penalty kicks.

SEE ALSO: Falcao heads to Manchester United on loan

Valdes, one way or another, has hit the jackpot.

When he announced he was leaving Barcelona, he said he was looking for new experiences and to prepare his family better for the future, by learning from another culture and another language. In England he has found the perfect fit, and if his arrival is the final push David De Gea needed to make a move next summer, the former Barca goalie will likely see himself as Manchester United’s starter in their highly awaited return to the Champions League.

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