33-year-old goalkeeper David de Gea has signed a contract with Fiorentina. In July 2023, the goalkeeper’s employment contract with Manchester United expired, and since then he had been without a club. The Fiorentina press service also shared a photograph of the Spanish footballer undergoing a medical examination. Earlier, the media reported that de Gea would sign a 1-year contract with an option to extend for another season. The annual salary will be €3 million.
The move to Fiorentina represents a fresh start for de Gea after his long tenure at Manchester United. The Spanish goalkeeper joined the Red Devils in 2011 from Atlético Madrid and went on to make over 500 appearances for the club, establishing himself as one of the world’s best goalkeepers during his time there. He won numerous trophies with United, including the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. However, in recent years de Gea’s form had begun to dip, with questions raised over his consistency and ability with the ball at his feet. There were also reports of tensions between the player and the club’s management. With his contract expiring, Manchester United decided not to renew de Gea’s deal, allowing him to leave on a free transfer.
The move to Fiorentina represents an opportunity for the Spaniard to reinvigorate his career. The Serie A club have an exciting young squad and will be hoping de Gea can help them push for a top-four finish and potential Champions League qualification. Fiorentina fans will be eagerly anticipating seeing their new high-profile signing between the sticks next season. At 33 years old, de Gea still has several good years left in him at the top level. The chance to play regularly in a new league and environment could be just what he needs to rediscover his best form. Fiorentina have pulled off a real coup in signing a goalkeeper of his caliber on a free transfer. The transfer also represents a significant investment for Fiorentina. de Gea’s reported €3 million annual salary makes him one of the highest-paid players in the squad.
However, the club will be hoping that his experience and quality can help take them to the next level and secure European qualification. If de Gea can recapture his best form, it could prove to be an extremely shrewd piece of business. Beyond the on-field implications, the signing of de Gea is a major statement of intent from Fiorentina. They have managed to attract a world-class player to the club, demonstrating their ambition and ability to compete with some of Europe’s top teams for top talent. This could help them attract more high-profile signings in the future and raise the profile of the club internationally. Overall, this move represents an exciting new chapter in David de Gea’s career. After over a decade at Manchester United, he will be relishing the opportunity to prove himself in a new environment. Fiorentina fans will be hopeful that their new goalkeeper can help bring the glory days back to the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
During his time at Manchester United, the Spanish goalkeeper made 545 appearances across all competitions, keeping a clean sheet in 190 of those matches. Over the course of those games, he conceded a total of 590 goals. According to the information provided on the Transfermarkt website, de Gea’s current market value is estimated at €5 million. This valuation reflects the fact that, at 33 years old, he is entering the latter stages of his career, but still has the potential to perform at the highest level for a number of years to come.
de Gea’s departure from Manchester United marks the end of an era for the club and the player. He joined the Red Devils in 2011 from Atlético Madrid and quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His consistently excellent performances between the sticks were a key factor in Manchester United’s success during the early 2010s, as the club won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. The Spaniard’s shot-stopping ability, command of his area and composure on the ball made him an indispensable member of the squad. He was twice named in the PFA Team of the Year and won Manchester United’s Player of the Year award on four occasions. His performances also earned him selection for the Spain national team, for whom he has won 45 caps.
However, in recent seasons, de Gea’s form had begun to dip, with increased scrutiny over his decision-making and distribution. There were also reports of tensions between the player and the club’s management. This culminated in Manchester United’s decision not to renew his contract, allowing him to leave on a free transfer. The move to Fiorentina represents a fresh start for de Gea, who will be keen to prove that he still has the quality to perform at the highest level. The Italian club have an exciting young squad and will be hoping that the Spaniard’s experience and shot-stopping ability can help them secure a top-four finish and potential Champions League qualification. Fiorentina fans will be eagerly anticipating seeing their new high-profile signing between the sticks next season. The club has pulled off a significant coup in attracting a goalkeeper of de Gea’s caliber on a free transfer, and his arrival is a clear statement of intent as they look to challenge the established order in Serie A.
At 33 years old, de Gea still has several good years left in him at the top level. The chance to play regularly in a new league and environment could be just what he needs to rediscover his best form. Fiorentina will be hoping that the Spaniard can recapture the kind of performances that made him one of the most highly-regarded goalkeepers in world football during his time at Manchester United. Beyond the on-field impact, the signing of de Gea is also a major boost to Fiorentina’s global profile. The club has managed to attract a player with such a prestigious reputation, which could help them attract more high-profile signings in the future and raise their standing in the European game.
