The 33-year-old Spanish goalkeeper has an agreement with Fiorentina after spending a season without a club.
More than a year after playing his last game for Manchester United, David De Gea appears to be on the cusp of making a return to professional football.
The 33-year-old Spanish goalkeeper, who has been without a club for the entire 2023/24 season, is reportedly close to joining Fiorentina. According to various reports in the Italian media, De Gea has reached a verbal agreement with the Serie A club and is expected to travel to Italy shortly to complete the required medical examinations before finalizing his contract with the Viola.
This potential move marks a significant moment in De Gea’s career. After a long period of uncertainty and a year away from the pitch, he is ready to take on a new challenge in a new league. Fiorentina’s offer, which includes a one-year contract valued at one million euros plus performance-related bonuses, also provides an option for an additional season. If this option is exercised, his salary would double for the 2025/26 season, a structure that reflects both the club’s cautious approach and their belief in De Gea’s ability to make an impact.
The financial terms of the contract with Fiorentina are notably modest compared to the lucrative offers De Gea reportedly received from clubs in Saudi Arabia following his departure from Manchester United. Despite the appeal of a larger paycheck, the Spaniard prioritized the competitive level of football over financial gain, opting to wait for an opportunity that aligned more closely with his sporting ambitions. This decision reflects De Gea’s determination to remain relevant at the highest levels of European football, rather than simply capitalizing on his name value in less competitive leagues.
During his hiatus from the game, De Gea was linked with various clubs, including a recent approach from Genoa, another Italian side. However, Fiorentina’s proposal stood out for its alignment with De Gea’s professional goals and the club’s ambitions. The move to Florence will see De Gea compete in one of Europe’s top leagues again, adding a new chapter to a career that has been marked by both incredible highs and challenging lows.
De Gea’s career began at Atlético Madrid, where he quickly established himself as a key player in the first team. His performances caught the eye of Manchester United, who signed him for approximately 25 million euros ahead of the 2011/12 season. At United, De Gea developed into one of the world’s top goalkeepers, earning numerous individual accolades and playing a crucial role in the club’s successes over the years. He made over 500 appearances for the Red Devils and was a consistent presence in the team, known for his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure.
However, his time at Manchester United ended somewhat abruptly in the summer of 2023. After 12 years of service, De Gea found himself without a contract renewal offer from the club, leading to his departure as a free agent. This unexpected turn of events left him in limbo, as he weighed his options and considered the next steps in his career. The lack of immediate offers from top clubs, combined with his own high standards and desire to play at a competitive level, contributed to his year-long absence from the sport.
Now, as he prepares to join Fiorentina, De Gea is poised to bring his wealth of experience and leadership to a new environment. The move to Serie A will not only provide him with a fresh start but also a chance to prove that he still has plenty to offer at the top level of European football. For Fiorentina, acquiring a goalkeeper of De Gea’s caliber represents a significant boost as they aim to compete domestically and in European competitions.
As De Gea embarks on this new chapter in Italy, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how he adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can recapture the form that made him one of the most respected goalkeepers in the world. His journey with Fiorentina could very well redefine the final years of his career, offering him a platform to finish on a high note, much like his illustrious time in England.
