According to reports from The Sun, Manchester United have opened negotiations with David de Gea over the possibility of bringing the Spanish goalkeeper back to Old Trafford. The 34-year-old currently plays for Fiorentina, but United are exploring the option of re-signing their former number one, who left the club in 2023 after more than a decade of service. United’s interest has been fueled by information that de Gea’s contract with Fiorentina includes a clause that would allow him to leave the club for a relatively modest fee.
The news has sparked excitement among United fans who still remember the Spaniard’s heroics during his first stint in Manchester.David de Gea’s history with Manchester United is the story of loyalty, resilience, and world-class goalkeeping. Signed from Atlético Madrid in 2011 as a 20-year-old, de Gea endured a difficult start to life in England. His early performances were criticized for inconsistency, and many doubted whether he could adapt to the physicality of the Premier League.
However, he soon silenced his critics. Over the next twelve years, de Gea became the backbone of United’s defense, producing countless saves that preserved vital points. In total, he made 545 appearances for the club across all competitions, recording 190 clean sheets. His reflex saves, particularly in one-on-one situations, became legendary, and he established himself as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.
During his time at Old Trafford, de Gea won several major trophies, including the Premier League title in 2013, the Europa League in 2017, and the FA Cup in 2016. He was also voted the club’s Player of the Year on multiple occasions, underlining his importance during periods when United were often struggling to compete with their rivals.
His departure in 2023 was met with mixed emotions. While United were moving towards a new era with younger talents, many supporters felt the loss of a club legend whose professionalism and loyalty were unquestionable.After leaving United, de Gea joined Fiorentina in Serie A, where he quickly adapted to Italian football. His performances for the Florence-based side have been solid, adding experience and stability to their back line. Despite joining at a relatively late stage in his career, he has continued to demonstrate sharp reflexes, strong positioning, and an ability to organize defenses effectively.
United’s renewed interest in de Gea comes after their 1–1 friendly draw with Fiorentina on August 9, where he reportedly impressed the club’s staff with his composure and agility. Observers noted that despite his age, he remains in excellent physical condition and retains the sharp instincts that defined his earlier years. The Manchester club are believed to see him as a valuable addition to their squad, particularly given the need for depth in the goalkeeping department. With the intense demands of the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups, having an experienced and reliable shot-stopper is a priority.
If the deal goes through, de Gea’s return would be one of the most emotional transfers in recent United history. Few players have enjoyed such a bond with the Old Trafford faithful. For many fans, his comeback would represent a reunion with a legend who gave the club some of its most unforgettable goalkeeping moments. From a practical standpoint, de Gea would bring immediate competition for the number one spot.
His presence could push the current goalkeepers to raise their performances while providing Erik ten Hag with a dependable option for rotation. For younger goalkeepers at the club, de Gea’s mentorship would also be invaluable. Critics, however, point out that a return could signal a step back rather than forward for United, who are attempting to build a new identity with a younger, more dynamic squad. The key will be balancing nostalgia with pragmatism — ensuring that de Gea’s signing fits into the long-term strategy rather than being a short-term fix.
