David de Gea makes a huge transfer decision as he prepares for his return
DAVID DE GEA is focusing on staying in Spain as he ends his football exile.
The former Manchester United goalkeeper has attracted interest from the Premier League and Saudi Arabia since his contract at Old Trafford expired last summer.
But sources close to the 33-year-old Spaniard believe he is willing to wait for a chance to play in LaLiga.
That could mean joining old club Atletico Madrid or even rivals Real as cover and taking his chance to impress.
De Gea is a free agent and can answer any emergency call outside the transfer window.
He made 545 appearances for Man Utd during his eleven seasons at Old Trafford.
In that time he won the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and two League Cups.
De Gea suffered a transfer day collapse in 2015 when a fax machine thwarted a move to Real Madrid.
And since he came on the market, he has been linked with a host of clubs.
It was recently revealed that he had turned down a move to Nottingham Forest in January.
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Five potential destinations for De Gea
Where could De Gea end up? Here are five possible moves for the Spaniard:
- Real Madrid: With Thibaut Courtois injured and loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga struggling to make an impact, De Gea could finally secure his dream move to the Bernabeu.
- Atletico Madrid: De Gea came through at Atletico and a return to the club could be a fitting final step in his career.
- Newcastle: Nick Pope's injury saw De Gea linked with a move to St James' Park. And with substitute Martin Dubravka making a huge mistake against Bournemouth, manager Eddie Howe could be looking for a new goalkeeper.
- Man Utd: A return to Old Trafford was suggested to De Gea earlier this season as the club looked for a replacement while Andre Onana was away at the Africa Cup of Nations. It may seem far-fetched, but it can still become reality
- Saudi Arabia: De Gea has already turned down Al-Shabab, but that doesn't mean a new lucrative offer from the Middle East wouldn't tempt the Spaniard to reconsider a move.
He was also believed to be “close” to a move to the Saudi side of Al-Shabab.
Newcastle, Real Betis, Al-Nassr and Bayern Munich were other destinations mentioned.
Still, he remains a free agent heading into the second half of the season.
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