- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
David de Gea was offered the chance to move to Nottingham Forest, but the former Manchester United goalkeeper turned it down, HITC Football understands.
Manchester United released David de Gea at the end of last season. The Spaniard’s contract with the Red Devils ran out, and the former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners decided not to renew it.
Manchester United released David de Gea in 2023 summer
United manager Erik ten Hag consistently praised De Gea last season, but in the summer of 2023, he decided to bring in Andre Onana from Inter Milan.
Ten Hag worked with Onana at Ajax, and the Dutchman felt that the Cameroonian goalkeeper would be a better fit for his team.
Onana is apparently very good with his feet. While that may be true, he has not been great with shot-stopping and has made high-profile errors. De Gea won the Golden Glove last season.
Nottingham Forest were on the hunt for a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window and got a deal done with French club RC Strasbourg Alsace for the signing of former Newcastle United player Matz Sels on deadline day.
David de Gea turned down Nottingham Forest
HITC Football understands that Jorge Mendes made contact with De Gea and offered him the chance to move to Forest before the Reds signed Sels.
Mendes is the agent of Forest manager Nuno and used to represent De Gea. The Spanish goalkeeper made it clear to him that a move to the City Ground was a non-starter.
Forest, who are aiming to avoid the dreaded drop to the Championship at the end of the season, were willing to offer De Gea a lucrative short-term deal with the option of a long-term deal.
However, the former Manchester United goalkeeper turned it down, just like he rejected Al-Shabab. De Gea wants to wait.
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