Manchester United Sent David De Gea Transfer Warning by Fiorentina President

Spanish Shot-Stopper Shines in Italy as Fiorentina Make Position on Future Crystal Clear

It’s the story that just won’t go away. Despite Manchester United’s decision to part ways with David De Gea nearly two years ago, his name continues to echo around Old Trafford. A legend to some, a liability to others — but wherever you stand on the debate, one thing is undeniable: David De Gea’s career after United has taken a surprising, impressive turn.

Now, with goalkeeper problems once again brewing in Manchester, the whispers of a shock return have started to grow louder. But Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso has stepped forward, not only to shut down those rumours — but to take a subtle jab at United’s decision to let David De Gea go in the first place.

So what’s really going on here? Is David De Gea gone for good, or could United still dream of one last reunion? Let’s unpack the latest in one of the more intriguing transfer sagas of the summer.

A New Chapter in Florence

When David De Gea packed his bags and left Old Trafford in the summer of 2023, many assumed the next chapter of his career would be one of gradual decline. After all, he’d already been relegated to the bench in his final months at United, with Erik ten Hag showing little interest in making him part of the club’s future.

But rather than fade into the background, David De Gea chose a new adventure in Italy — signing with Fiorentina in what was, at the time, seen as a modest move.

Fast forward to now, and that move looks like a masterstroke.

De Gea has been sensational between the sticks in Serie A and on the European stage. His performances helped Fiorentina to a strong domestic campaign and a Conference League semi-final appearance — not bad for someone supposedly past his prime.

His reflexes are sharp, his distribution is improved, and, perhaps most importantly, he’s playing with a confidence and swagger that had long vanished from his final United seasons.

Fiorentina Stand Firm: “He’s Staying With Us”

If anyone thought Fiorentina would be willing to cash in quickly, they clearly underestimated Commisso’s commitment.

Speaking to RAI after their Conference League triumph over NK Celje, the Fiorentina president left no room for speculation:

“I saw a great David De Gea, he’s a champion and you can see it,” Commisso stated. “They sent him away and we took him. He’s staying with us. He is still young enough to spend a few years here.”

It was a direct message to Manchester United — and probably a pointed one, too.

Fiorentina reportedly have a one-year extension clause in David De Gea’s deal, and all signs point to that option being exercised, if it hasn’t been already. At 34, the Spaniard may not be in his twenties anymore, but for goalkeepers, that’s far from the end.

In Commisso’s eyes, David De Gea is not a short-term fix. He’s a central piece of Fiorentina’s plans going forward.

United’s Goalkeeping Woes Continue

It’s no secret that United have struggled to find stability in goal since David De Gea’s departure. Andre Onana, brought in by Erik ten Hag following a successful stint at Ajax and a Champions League final run with Inter, has failed to fully convince the fanbase — or perhaps even the coaching staff.

Despite flashes of brilliance, Onana’s inconsistency has drawn criticism. From early season errors in the Champions League to shaky footwork in big domestic clashes, his debut campaign was more rollercoaster than solid foundation.

And it hasn’t helped that vocal former teammates are piling on. Nemanja Matic recently called Onana “one of the worst keepers in Man Utd history” — a harsh, but telling statement that reflects the discontent in some corners of the footballing world.

To make matters worse, back-up keeper Altay Bayindir is reportedly frustrated with his lack of playing time and could seek a move away, while veteran third-choice Tom Heaton is out of contract this summer and may not be retained.

All of this means United could be scrambling for options between the sticks once again.

A Return for David De Gea? It’s Not That Simple

With so much uncertainty at the goalkeeper position, the temptation to go back to what once worked is understandable. David De Gea knows the club, the league, the pressure — and now, he’s playing like someone with a point to prove.

But would a return really make sense for either side?

For David De Gea, who has found both form and freedom in Florence, it may feel like a step backward. The atmosphere at United during his final seasons was often toxic, the pressure relentless. At Fiorentina, he’s being celebrated. He’s a leader again. A champion.

For United, bringing David De Gea back could feel like a tacit admission that they got it wrong — that letting him go was premature. It could also muddy the waters in terms of squad direction. Ruben Amorim, tipped as the next manager, is thought to prefer modern, ball-playing keepers, and David De Gea — despite improvements — still has his limitations in that area.

Other Names in the Mix

With David De Gea likely off the table, who could United realistically turn to?

Several names have already been linked:

• Bart Verbruggen (Brighton): Young, agile, and Premier League-proven. Could be a long-term solution.

• Lucas Chevalier (Lille): One of France’s rising talents, praised for his shot-stopping and calmness.

• Joan Garcia (Espanyol): A surprise name, but fits the mold of a modern keeper with strong reflexes.

• Senne Lammens (Royal Antwerp): Less experienced but highly rated by scouts across Europe.

All of these names fit the “project player” model United may adopt moving forward — young, affordable, and moldable under a new coach. None, however, come with the certainty or legacy of David De Gea.

The Final Whistle: Lessons From Letting Legends Go

David De Gea’s departure from Manchester United may have been necessary at the time. But with the benefit of hindsight, it’s fair to ask whether the club handled it with the grace and planning it deserved.

Fiorentina took a gamble — and it paid off. They picked up a veteran keeper who still had plenty to give and backed him when others doubted. That kind of faith is rare in modern football.

Meanwhile, United are once again staring down a summer of transition, searching for the right man between the posts.

It might not be David De Gea. It probably won’t be. But if nothing else, his renaissance in Italy should serve as a reminder to clubs everywhere: