David De Gea has been making saves look easy again for Fiorentina this season. But if you think that means he’s open to just any offer that comes along in the summer, think again.
According to reports out of Italy and England, the 36-year-old goalkeeper has made his position pretty clear to those around him. He would only leave Florence for one club. And it’s the same one he spent 12 years at before things went sideways in 2023.
That club is Manchester United.
The speculation started when Juventus came sniffing around for a veteran option between the posts, with Alisson Becker and Emiliano Martinez also mentioned as potential targets. De Gea’s name got thrown into that mix as an alternative. But sources close to the player say he’s not interested in being a backup plan for anybody but United.
It’s a little complicated though. De Gea turns 36 in November and Fiorentina signed him on a free transfer in 2024 after he spent a full season waiting for the right opportunity. His current deal runs through 2028 with an option for another year. So unless Old Trafford comes calling, he’s probably finishing his career in purple.
The United Connection Still Runs Deep
De Gea joined Manchester United in 2011 as a skinny kid from Atletico Madrid. Over the next 12 years he won a Premier League title, an FA Cup, a Europa League and four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards. He was the guy for most of that stretch, making highlight-reel saves look routine.
But his final season under Erik ten Hag was messy. There were mistakes. There was that awkward moment when he led the league in clean sheets but also led it in errors leading to goals. The club let his contract run down and he walked away in June 2023. No farewell tour. No testimonial. Just a quiet exit.
Since then United have gone through Andre Onana and a revolving door of backup options. Onana has had moments but also some high-profile blunders. It’s not crazy to wonder whether the club might consider bringing back a reliable, experienced hand — especially if De Gea is available and willing to accept a backup role.
But here’s the thing. That would require United to actually make that call. And so far there’s no sign they’re planning to.
Fiorentina has been good for De Gea. He’s playing consistently, the fans love him, and he’s still pulling off saves that make you forget his age. The Viola are comfortable with him as their No. 1 and they’ve got him under contract for years to come.
So unless Manchester United picks up the phone, this whole thing is probably just another round of transfer speculation that doesn’t go anywhere. De Gea has been clear about his one exception. The question is whether that exception wants him back.
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