MANCHESTER: Manchester United could be set to bring back club legend goalkeeper David de Gea in a move that could be considered a shock move from Fiorentina.
It is understood that the club received information that the 34-year-old Spanish goalkeeper has a clause in his contract at Fiorentina that allows him to move for a relatively small fee.
Sources have revealed that calls are being made after De Gea made a positive impact on his return to Old Trafford last week in a friendly, as well as telling supporters that “they might meet again”.
Ahead of the Premier League opener against Arsenal, United manager Ruben Amorim refused to reassure Andre Onana about his status as the number one goalkeeper this season.
Amorim said: “It’s the same as other players. They all have to fight for a place. I wouldn’t say one player is number one.”
Throughout his career at Old Trafford, De Gea made 545 appearances between 2011 and 2023, making him seventh on the club’s all-time appearance list.
However, a decline in form and contract issues led to his departure from United, before then-manager Erik ten Hag signed Onana from Inter Milan for £43.8 million.
After a year without a club throughout the 2023-24 season, De Gea has regained his form and confidence with Fiorentina.
However, United will need to release Onana, 29, or reserve goalkeeper from Turkiye, Altay Bayindir, to reduce the wage burden if they want to bring De Gea back.
However, United may also be able to continue without having to let go of their existing goalkeeper if the cost of acquiring De Gea is low enough.
United have also been linked with several big names in goal this summer, sparking speculation that Onana could be replaced.
Among the names mentioned are Emi Martinez (Aston Villa), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain) and John Victor (Botafogo).