Goalkeeper David De GeaPlayer·David de Gea has reportedly expressed a clear preference for a return to Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United should he leave Italian club FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina. This development emerges amidst speculation linking the veteran Spaniard with a move to JuventusTeam·Juventus, among other potential suitors.
De Gea, who will turn 36 in November, joined FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina as a free agent in the summer of 2024, signing a contract that runs until June 2028 with an option for an additional year. His initial season in Florence, 2024/25, was notable, yielding 11 clean sheets across 42 matches. However, his performance in the recently concluded 2025/26 season has been described as mixed, with reports indicating a decline in his average rating from 7.50 to 6.70. Despite this, he remained one of Serie ACompetition·Serie A's busiest goalkeepers, often exposed by a disorganised defensive line, according to reports. FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina is reportedly open to listening to offers for the player this summer.
According to the Manchester Evening News and Tuttomercatoweb, De Gea has made it clear that a move back to Old Trafford is the only scenario that would tempt him away from the Stadio Artemio Franchi. His deep connection to Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United stems from his extensive tenure with the club, where he played from 2011 until his contract concluded in June 2023. He even made an emotional return to Old Trafford for a pre-season game in August 2025, describing the experience as "very special."
Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United's strong finish to the 2025/26 Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League season saw them secure third place with 71 points, guaranteeing their return to the UEFA Champions League for the 2026/27 campaign. Under head coach Michael Carrick, who took charge in January, the club experienced a significant upturn in form, winning 12 of their final 17 matches. This resurgence, coupled with the expected departures of goalkeepers Altay BayindirPlayer·Altay Bayindir and AndrePlayer·Andre Onana this summer, could create an opening for De Gea at his former club, potentially as a second-choice option.
FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina, meanwhile, concluded their Serie ACompetition·Serie A 2025/26 season in 15th place, accumulating 42 points. Their league form was inconsistent, marked by a record of 9 wins, 15 draws, and 14 losses. They also reached the Round of 16 in the Coppa ItaliaCompetition·Coppa Italia and the Quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference LeagueCompetition·Conference League. A potential transfer for De Gea would allow FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina to re-evaluate their goalkeeping situation as they look to improve upon their domestic league standing.
De Gea has previously expressed contentment in Florence, citing his enjoyment of the fans, team, and city, and his belief in the club's potential for a successful season. However, the allure of a return to Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United, particularly with the prospect of Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League football, appears to be a significant factor in his future considerations.
Fiorentina's David De Gea shakes hands with Crystal Palace's Dean Henderson after their match. Shutterstock/IMAGO
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