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David de Gea has reportedly told his inner circle that he'd be open to returning to Manchester United if Erik ten Hag and John Murtough were no longer at the club. The iconic Spanish goalkeeper left the Red Devils last summer and has yet to find a new club.
The Athletic reports that De Gea deems Ten Hag and former football director John Murtough responsible for his departure. He was upset with the manner of his exit, which came after initially signing a new contract.
De Gea, 33, reportedly agreed to take a hit on his £375,000 per week wages to extend his stay at Manchester United. The club didn't sign the contract, and his old deal expired, with Ten Hag opting to sign Andre Onana as his replacement.
The Spanish shot-stopper was United's longest-serving player at the time. He was a hero at Old Trafford, keeping 190 clean sheets in 545 games across competitions.
De Gea has been a free agent since his release in July 2023 but has been open to a return. That's if Ten Hag is no longer in charge, which he is. He has signed a new one-year extension, keeping him tied to Manchester United until 2026.
Murtough left in April following INEOS' purchase of a 27.7% stake in the club. He's been replaced by former Newcastle United director Dan Ashworth.
Several of De Gea's former teammates voiced their displeasure with how the 45-cap Spain international was treated. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes penned a farewell message with a subtle dig at the club.
Ex-Manchester United star David de Gea is expected to give news on his future soon
According to the aforementioned source, De Gea will soon provide an update on his future and is close to returning to football. He's received interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Italy.
De Gea looks set to join a new club for the new season after sitting out the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign. He teased fans on X (formerly Twitter) with an hourglass emoticon post, hinting at an incoming announcement.
The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper was linked with a return to the Premier League in January. Newcastle United were touted as an option amid Nick Pope's long-term injury.
Alan Shearer pushed for Newcastle to sign De Gea because he would be a free agent, although he would be paid a high salary. The Magpies didn't move for the former veteran shot-stopper, and links have gone cold.
