David de Gea has agreed to join Fiorentina as the former Manchester United custodian prepares to return to competitive football, according to sources.
The former Spain international has been on football’s cold front for over a year, as his contract at Old Trafford expired in June of last year, and has been patiently waiting for offers ever since.
De Gea’s talks with Saudi Arabia and other European clubs did not result in him joining a new club, as he remained in Manchester for private training sessions to maintain his health.
However, the wait appears to be over, with De Gea agreeing to personal terms with Serie A club Fiorentina just over a week before the new season starts, according to Fabrizio Romano.
De Gea had been in talks with another Italian top-flight club Genoa until the deal fell through, as the shot-stopper’s pay demands led the club to seek alternate options.
David de Gea has allegedly secured a one-year contract to join Serie A club Fiorentina.
De Gea has been without a club since his contract with Old Trafford terminated in June of last year.
The former Premier League winner made 545 appearances for United over 12 years, becoming the club’s highest paid when he signed a £375,000-per-week contract.
His pay demands, which are thought to be in the region of £5 million per season, have been a concern for clubs interested in his services, but he has now decided to return to football with Fiorentina.
De Gea has committed to a one-year contract with last season’s Europa Conference League finalists.
The contract will allegedly include an option for another season that might be exercised based on his performance.
The 33-year-old will now travel to Italy for a physical before reporting for pre-season duty with the Italian top division team.
Last season, Fiorentina depended heavily on 34-year-old custodian Pietro Terracciano, with 18-year-old Tommaso Martinelli also making appearances.
Fiorentina manager Pietro Terracciano is ready to capture the services of the former Manchester United player.
De Gea will provide significant expertise to Fiorentina’s squad after his years at Old Trafford.
De Gea would bring world-class expertise between the sticks for Raffaele Palladino’s team.
If United fail to qualify for the Europa League, De Gea may face his former club in the Conference League.
Chelsea, who will join Fiorentina in the third-tier European club tournament, may potentially face a familiar opponent.
De Gea will most certainly require time to regain match fitness after such a long layoff, as Fiorentina begin their league campaign against Parma on August 17.