Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has joined Italian team Fiorentina on a free transfer.
De Gea’s 12-year tenure at Old Trafford ended last summer when his contract expired, following a failure to agree on a new deal. The details of his departure were contentious, with some United fans wanting him to stay and others believing the club should move forward due to concerns about his distribution and play from the back.
Post-United, De Gea had interest from Saudi Arabia but chose not to move there, remaining a free agent throughout the 2023/24 season.
He completed his medical on Friday and will be officially announced as a Fiorentina player before the weekend, just as the Serie A season is about to begin. Fiorentina finished seventh in Italy’s top league last season and lost in the Conference League final for the second consecutive year.
Former United loanee Soyfan Amrabat remains with Fiorentina. Amrabat delayed his pre-season return this summer to try to secure a move to United, but Italian reports suggest he has resumed training.
United are seeking a midfielder before the transfer window closes on August 30, and Erik ten Hag was set to discuss the possibility of signing Amrabat with new sports director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox, and chief executive Omar Berrada last month.
Amrabat remains a potential target for United, and a move has not been ruled out, keeping alive the possibility of him joining Old Trafford.
Many expected De Gea to retire after struggling to find a new team last season, but Fiorentina has given him a chance to extend his career. At United, De Gea won the Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, and the Europa League, and was named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year four times. He made a club-record 545 appearances as a goalkeeper, keeping 190 clean sheets, leading to speculation about a testimonial at Old Trafford upon his retirement.
