David de Gea might be on the move again. Fiorentina, the Serie A club where the former Manchester United goalkeeper rebuilt his career, is now open to selling him this summer. That’s according to reports out of Italy, with new sporting director Fabio Paratici looking to reshape the roster and trim the wage bill.
De Gea joined Fiorentina on a free transfer after leaving Old Trafford in 2023. His first two seasons in Florence were strong enough to earn a contract extension through 2030. But now, just a year into that deal, the club is having second thoughts.
Paratici’s plan and the Filippi factor
Paratici arrived this summer with a mandate to cut costs. De Gea’s salary is one of the biggest on the books, so it’s no surprise his name came up. What’s interesting is that the expected arrival of high-profile goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi might also be pushing things along. Filippi has a reputation for developing younger keepers, and that doesn’t exactly align with keeping a 35-year-old on a high wage.
Fiorentina is ready to listen to offers. They haven’t set a firm asking price yet, but sources indicate they’d rather move him now than wait another year when his value drops further.
Could De Gea actually go back to Manchester?
De Gea has said publicly that the only club he’d leave Florence for is Manchester United. That quote is getting some attention again now. But let’s be real about what that means.
United’s current No. 1 is Senne Lammens, who had an outstanding first season. The club sees him as the starter for years to come. Michael Carrick, the United head coach, does have a strong relationship with De Gea from their title-winning days in 2013. But bringing De Gea back as a backup? Unlikely. De Gea doesn’t want to be a No. 2, and United isn’t about to bench Lammens.
United is in the market for a backup keeper this summer. Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir are both expected to leave. But De Gea’s name probably isn’t high on that list. A romantic return to Old Trafford would be a nice story, but the math doesn’t work.
What’s next for the Spaniard?
At 35, De Gea’s next move could be his last. He left United under a cloud — that FA Cup final against City was rough — but his legacy at the club remains strong. Four Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards in five seasons says everything about his prime years.
If Fiorentina finds a buyer, De Gea will have options. A return to Spain? A move to a lower-tier Serie A side? Maybe a payday in Saudi Arabia or MLS. Wherever he ends up, the Old Trafford faithful will remember him fondly. They always do.
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