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A recent update has shed light on David de Gea’s situation since his departure from Manchester United, confirming that the veteran goalkeeper turned down a Premier League return during the January transfer window.
De Gea, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford and became one of the club’s most dependable players with 545 appearances across all competitions, has remained without a club since his exit last summer. Despite rumors linking him to a move to Saudi Arabia, no concrete deal has been finalized, leaving the Spanish international in limbo as he explores his next steps.
One of the clubs that attempted to bring De Gea back into Premier League action was Nottingham Forest. Facing issues in their goalkeeping department, Forest approached De Gea with an offer that would have seen him play for the remainder of the season. The club believed his vast experience and pedigree could help stabilize their defense and offer much-needed reliability between the posts.
However, De Gea reportedly declined Forest’s short-term proposal, choosing instead to remain patient in hopes of finding a more suitable long-term opportunity. The 33-year-old is said to be weighing his options carefully, taking into account factors beyond immediate game time, such as the club’s ambitions, location, and contract duration.
In addition to pursuing De Gea, Nottingham Forest also explored the possibility of acquiring Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale. Ramsdale had lost his starting role to David Raya at the Emirates, prompting speculation over a potential move. Nonetheless, Forest’s efforts to sign Ramsdale didn’t materialize, and the club eventually turned to Matz Sels, a Belgian goalkeeper from Strasbourg.
Sels was brought in on deadline day for a fee of approximately £5.1 million and agreed to a three-and-a-half-year deal. His arrival added to Forest’s existing goalkeeping roster, which already includes Matt Turner, Wayne Hennessey, and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
As for De Gea, despite the transfer window having closed, he remains a free agent and is therefore eligible to join a club outside the regular registration periods. With an illustrious resume that also includes 45 appearances for the Spanish national team, the shot-stopper is still regarded as an attractive option for clubs in need of a seasoned and reliable goalkeeper.
In summary, while De Gea’s decision to reject Nottingham Forest’s approach may have delayed his return to action, it underscores his intent to secure the right opportunity rather than settle for a short-term fix. His next move remains a topic of interest across the football world.
