No we wont sell him in January (probably, although a lot can happen between now and then.) But he can sign a deal with Madrid in January to join them on a free, no? Not sure whether that kind of preliminary deal would protect him in the case of an injury though.
Im just feeling pessimistic about a longer term happy ending for us. One more season of De Gea was always the best case scenario, as I saw it, and I dont think the events of the past 24 hours change it really. But will be absolutely delighted if De Gea is disgusted at everything that has happened and signs a new contract, even if it is one with a release clause that doesnt actually keep him at the club any longer. I just think the evidence suggests he has been motivated until now by securing the best and most lucrative package for himself (and I dont hold that against him) and I think the best option for him now, financially speaking, if he can stomach the risk, is to sit tight and sign for Madrid on a free next year.
There are variables. If we threaten to not play him for a year then he worries about his international career and whether they will still want him, but we lose the moral high ground, he would be just as disgusted with us (Van Gaal more specifically) as he may (or may not) currently be with Madrid. Plus, he doesnt have to worry so much about getting injured. (Couldnt he take an insurance policy out on himself, anyway, to mitigate that risk?) If we play him, fine, he helps us do well this year and then gets the move he wanted, Real save money on the transfer so can pay him massive wages, lost earnings this year will be mitigated from next year when he is raking it in. I just think if he plays the long game he doesnt have to worry too much about his salary this year. All he has to do is bide his time and it will all work out fine for him, I dont see why he would sign a contract with us unless he intends to stay, and I cant see why he would have changed his mind on that score, Madrid havent done anything here they havent done a million times before.