David De Gea is finally set to return to professional football, with a move to Fiorentina close to being completed. The former Manchester United goalkeeper has been without a club since leaving the Red Devils at the end of the 2022-23 season.
His massive salary demands prevented him from moving to Genoa earlier in the transfer window, as well as the MLS, with Saudi Arabia not an option. Now, he has significantly reduced his salary demands to sign for La Viola ahead of the new season.
David De Gea to join Fiorentina after lengthy absence
🚨🟣 David de Gea to Fiorentina, here we go! Verbal agreement in place for former #MUFC goalkeeper.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2024
Contract until June 2025 plus option for one more season. Travel & medical booked.
Deal done by Spanish agents Jose Lorenzo, Jose Carlos and Italian intermediaries GG11 Agency. pic.twitter.com/8STEVxuNke
In spite of not playing professionally, David De Gea has been training with Altrincham, close to where he currently lives. And now, he is finally set to play for another club.
Reports indicate that the Spaniard will earn around €2-3 million per season and will sign a one-year contract with Fiorentina, with the option to extend.
A major reason why he hasn’t found a new club over the last season is the changing demands from goalkeepers. Coaches now expect their goalies to be good with their feet alongside shot stopping, which was the reason De Gea left United after 13 years.
Now, it remains to be seen how the veteran fares on his return to top-tier action after a year away.
How many games did David De Gea play for Man Utd?
535 across 13 years