Barcelona is currently deliberating the prospect of extending a contract offer to David de Gea, a goalkeeper currently unattached to any club, as indicated by a recent report. De Gea’s journey of being without a team commenced last summer subsequent to his departure from Manchester United, following the expiration of his contract.
Initially, De Gea and Manchester United were in agreement over the terms of a new contract; however, the club rescinded the offer, seeking to negotiate a deal with reduced wages. This decision came after De Gea’s commendable twelve-year tenure at Old Trafford, ultimately leading to his departure.
At the age of 33, De Gea finds himself without a club, his most recent competitive appearance dating back to Manchester United’s defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup final last June, where he faced scrutiny for the goals conceded. Nevertheless, reports from the Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo hint at a potential return to the field for De Gea, this time with Barcelona.
Facing financial challenges, Barcelona is actively seeking prudent solutions to reinforce their squad. Last summer, their expenditure on transfers amounted to a mere €3.4 million, and during the winter window, they invested €40 million in acquiring Brazilian forward Vitor Roque.
The prospective acquisition of De Gea, sans a transfer fee, is perceived as a tactical maneuver aimed at fortifying their goalkeeping department without significant financial strain.
Presently, Marc-Andre ter Stegen occupies the role of Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper, although recent rumors have linked him with a move to the Saudi Pro League. Meanwhile, the performance of backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena has garnered attention this season, potentially attracting interest from other clubs.
Despite the potential alterations, it is anticipated that De Gea would initially assume a backup role to Ter Stegen, with Barcelona exhibiting reluctance to part ways with the German international.
De Gea had previously engaged in discussions with Barcelona’s arch-rivals, Real Madrid, last summer following an ACL injury suffered by Thibaut Courtois.
However, Real Madrid ultimately secured the services of Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. Similarly, Bayern Munich had considered De Gea as a contingency option but ultimately opted for Israel international Daniel Peretz.
Interest in securing De Gea’s services extended beyond the realms of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Nottingham Forest and Saudi Pro League outfit Al Shabab both expressed keen interest in acquiring him during the January transfer window. However, despite these inquiries, no concrete deals materialized, leaving De Gea still on the market.
Barcelona’s keenness on De Gea underscores their quest for seasoned and dependable players who can be brought in without imposing significant financial strains. Given De Gea’s extensive track record in top-tier football, he emerges as an enticing prospect.
