Ex-Manchester United star David de Gea will not join Serie A club, move falls through due to player's wage demands - Reports

Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea will not be joining Italian outfit Genoa as earlier planned due to differences in wage negotiations, as per talkSPORT. The Spanish goalkeeper was primed to return to active football with the Serie A side, having been a free agent for over a year.

De Gea was at Manchester United for 12 years before leaving the club at the end of the 2022-23 season. His contract at Old Trafford ran out and he failed to agree on an extension with the club, eventually choosing to move on afterwards.

David de Gea spent the last year training by himself without joining any clubs despite having interest from Saudi Arabia and the USA. The 33-year-old was in advanced talks with Genoa to make a move to the Italian club, but talkSPORT reports that he will not be joining them.

Genoa have been unable to match the wage demands of the Manchester United legend, resulting in both parties leaving the negotiating table. The 45-cap Spain international will reportedly continue to consider his other options from Saudi and the USA as he looks to secure a return to active football.

De Gea made 545 appearances for Manchester United after joining them in 2011. He holds the record for the most appearances by a goalkeeper in the club's history, and the most clean sheets as well.

Erik ten Hag had the goalkeeper in his first season in charge but was reportedly unimpressed with his quality on the ball. His last game for the club came in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, which they lost 2-1. Andre Onana has since replaced the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, who won five major trophies with the club.

Erik ten Hag expresses disappointment at Manchester United injuries

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has rued his side's luck after they suffered two injuries in their pre-season friendly against Arsenal. The Red Devils lost 2-1 on the night, but that could not have been as displeasing to the manager as the injuries they suffered.

The former Ajax boss spoke with the club's in-house media after the game about the injuries picked up by Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro. He revealed that the full extent of their injuries were unknown, but that they expect more clarity shortly. He said (via GOAL):

"We have to wait 24 hours and then we will hopefully know more.
"We were very careful, especially with Leny. He did only 50% from the sessions. It is disappointing he had to come off but let's be positive and see what comes out."

Hojlund came off with what looked like a hamstring problem minutes after scoring the opener for the Red Devils. Arsenal equalized through Gabriel Jesus before Yoro injured his ankle and left the pitch shortly after the hour mark. Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score the winner for Mikel Arteta's team.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava