According to sources, David de Gea is in talks with a new club as he prepares to make his long-awaited return.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper, who became a free agent in July after failing to negotiate terms on a new deal with Manchester United, has been looking for a new club for some time.
He has been linked with a number of clubs following his 12-year spell at Old Trafford. Al Hilal, the Saudi Pro League club that has taken Neymar, Ruben Neves, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to the Middle East, expressed their interest early on.
In November, De Gea was widely connected with a move to Real Betis of La Liga. In fact, it was even rumoured that the goalkeeper had ‘started negotiations’ with the club, but manager Manuel Pellegrini later dismissed the claims, saying: “If you ask me I would say I don’t think so.”
It has been six months since the former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper left the Premier League, but a move appears to be on the horizon in January, with reports indicating that De Gea has held talks with Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab about a possible transfer.
Which Club Wants To Sign De Gea?
According to the Daily Mail, Al Shabab are looking to sign the Spanish goalkeeper after former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic decided to join the Riyadh-based team.
Rakitic will have a physical on Sunday, according to Fabrizio Romano, as he prepares to leave La Liga strugglers Sevilla after his contract expires in 2024.
It is also reported that the SPL team will make a move for Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech.
De Gea, meanwhile, is claimed to be ‘in talks’ with Al Shabab, who are presently 11th in the Saudi Pro League table, having won five of their 19 games. It’s also worth mentioning that they won’t play again until mid-February due to their mid-season break.
In the past several months, De Gea has received numerous proposals. The seasoned goalkeeper reportedly got “multiple offers and inquiries” during the summer transfer window, from Premier League bottom-half teams to major European teams, according to The Athletic.
Nothing could be agreed upon, though, and he was hesitant to slip down the level.
