Three La Liga clubs preparing an offer for former Man United goalkeeper David de Gea | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge was a successful one as the club ended their six-year trophy drought by clinching the Carabao Cup while the team also qualified for the Champions League via a third-place league finish.

But it could have been so much better. The Red Devils were among the favourites after reaching the Europa League quarter-finals while they even made it to the FA Cup final. But in both competitions, one player let the whole club down.

Long-term servant of the club, David de Gea made huge errors throughout the campaign but the gaffes made in those two knockout ties hurt the club the most and the Dutch manager made the club rescind their initial contract offer.

The Spaniard was not too impressed and did not want to hang around for a backup role and decided to leave the Theatre of Dreams after 12 long years. But the next phase of his career is yet to start despite 10 months passing by.

Return to La Liga on the cards

The Spain international has been linked with a move to quite a few big clubs all around Europe and even Saudi Arabia but nothing has panned out so far.

The 33-year-old has resorted to training on his own and uploading footage of it on social media to try and drum up some interest in his services and according to Fichajes, it might yet lead to a solution.

Barcelona, Atletico Madrid have joined the race for the former United No 1 while Real Betis are also lurking. And it seems the shot-stopper has his eyes set on a return to La Liga.

“Uncertainty surrounds the future of talented Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea, who, after leaving Manchester United last summer, has been evaluating different options for his next destination.

“Despite rumors linking him with possible moves to the Premier League during the recent winter transfer window, De Gea chose to reject those offers, including one from Nottingham Forest.

“Although there has also been interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia with tempting offers, the Spanish goalkeeper appears to be leaning towards a return to his native country, where he hopes to find a new home at a renowned club.

“In this context, three Spanish teams stand out as possible destinations for De Gea in the 2024/2025 season: Betis, Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona.”

Regular minutes or a big club?

Betis, under Manuel Pellegrini, still have a shot at qualifying for Europe next season and a move to Seville potentially hands De Gea the best shot at regular minutes. They have been chasing him for the longest time.

A return to Madrid would be an emotional one as he came up through the academy at Atleti but whether Diego Simeone would hand him the No 1 spot remains doubtful.

As for Barca, they are in the midst of a transition and they play a certain way which does not suit the former United goalie who struggles with passing out from the back.

De Gea needs to decide his priorities at this stage: a starting berth or moving to a big club. The answer is likely to be revealed in the upcoming summer window.

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