David De Gea finds himself without a club since parting ways with Manchester United last summer when his contract expired.
Despite initially agreeing to extend his stay at Old Trafford, the club withdrew their offer and proposed a new contract with reduced wages, prompting the Spanish goalkeeper to opt for departure after dedicating 12 years to the Red Devils.
Now 33 years old, De Gea awaits his next footballing venture, with his most recent competitive appearance dating back to United’s defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup final last June, where he faced criticism for conceding both goals.
However, there are reports from Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo suggesting that De Gea could soon find himself donning the colors of Barcelona.
Barcelona, grappling with financial constraints, have been frugal in their transfer dealings, spending a mere €3.4m on transfer fees last summer and allocating their entire €40m winter budget to the acquisition of Brazilian forward Vitor Roque.
Hence, they perceive the signing of De Gea on a free transfer as a prudent move to bolster their goalkeeping ranks.
Although Marc-Andre ter Stegen currently holds the reins as the starting goalkeeper, recent rumors linking him to the Saudi Pro League have raised uncertainties about his future.
Meanwhile, Inaki Pena has showcased promise during his appearances this season, potentially attracting interest from other clubs.
Should De Gea join Barcelona, he is more likely to assume a backup role behind Ter Stegen, with the Catalan club hesitant to part ways with the German shot-stopper.
Last summer, De Gea was in discussions for a move to Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid following an ACL injury to Thibaut Courtois, but Madrid opted to secure the services of Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea instead.
Bayern Munich also contemplated signing De Gea as a backup goalkeeper before ultimately turning to Israel international Daniel Peretz.
Although there was interest from clubs like Nottingham Forest and Saudi Pro League outfit Al Shabab during the January transfer window, De Gea remained without a club as those potential moves failed to materialize.
De Gea’s future in football remains uncertain, but the prospect of joining Barcelona on a free transfer presents an intriguing opportunity for the experienced goalkeeper to continue his career at a prestigious club, albeit in a potentially secondary role.
