David de Gea, the former Manchester United and Spain goalkeeper, is on the verge of returning to competitive football by signing with Serie A club Fiorentina.
After spending over a year as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Manchester United in June 2023, De Gea had been training privately in Manchester, waiting for the right opportunity to arise.
Despite initial negotiations with Saudi Arabian clubs and other European teams, no deal materialised due to his high wage demands.
However, De Gea has now agreed to personal terms with Fiorentina, who were last season's Europa Conference League finalists. The deal includes a one-year contract with the possibility of extending it for another season based on his performances.
The 33-year-old will soon travel to Italy to undergo a medical and prepare for the new season, where he will bring his extensive experience to Fiorentina's goalkeeping options.
Last season, Fiorentina relied on 34-year-old Pietro Terracciano and 18-year-old Tommaso Martinelli, but De Gea's arrival promises to significantly bolster their defensive lineup.
The transfer also creates the possibility of De Gea playing against his former club, Manchester United, in the Conference League. This could happen if United were to be knocked out of the Europa League. He could also face a former opponent Chelsea, who are also participating in the third-tier European competition.
As Fiorentina's league campaign kicks off against Parma on August 17, De Gea will need to regain match fitness quickly after his lengthy hiatus from top-level football.
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