David de Gea’s decision to turn down a remarkable return to a Premier League club has caught many by surprise, as he has chosen to make a surprising move back to his former club. While players were astonished by the decision, manager Ten Hag remained unperturbed.
A recent report indicates that David de Gea declined an opportunity to join a Premier League club during the January transfer window.
The Spanish goalkeeper, who departed from Manchester United last summer after a 12-year stint, is currently without a team. While linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, De Gea has yet to finalize a transfer to the Middle East.
Nottingham Forest made an attempt to secure the services of the experienced shot-stopper, aiming to persuade De Gea to play regular football for them until the end of the season.
However, the 33-year-old rejected their ‘short-term’ offer, opting to explore other options.
In addition to approaching De Gea, Forest also inquired about the availability of Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal.
Ramsdale, who lost his starting position to David Raya, was a target for Forest before they eventually signed Matz Sels from Strasbourg.
Sels arrived at the City Ground in a deal worth £5.1 million, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract on deadline day.
With Sels’ addition, Forest now boast a pool of goalkeepers including Matt Turner, Wayne Hennessey, and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
De Gea’s rejection of Forest’s offer leaves him still seeking a new club. Despite the transfer window closure, the Spaniard remains a free agent and is eligible to sign for a team outside of the transfer window period.
During his tenure at Manchester United, De Gea made 545 appearances in all competitions, playing a pivotal role in the club’s success across various competitions.
Additionally, he earned 45 caps for the Spanish national team. With his wealth of experience and proven track record, De Gea remains an appealing prospect for potential suitors as he continues his quest for a new club.
Yes, that’s correct — **David De Gea recently rejected a short-term offer from Nottingham Forest** during the January transfer window. Here’s a detailed summary of the situation:
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### 🔴 **De Gea’s Situation — June 2025 Update**
#### ⚽ **What Happened with Nottingham Forest**
* In January 2025, **Nottingham Forest approached De Gea** with a short-term contract offer.
* They wanted him as a **temporary solution** until the end of the season due to their goalkeeping uncertainty.
* De Gea **rejected the offer**, reportedly because he was **not interested in a short-term role** and wanted a more stable project or a club that aligned with his career ambitions.
#### 🧤 **Forest’s Goalkeeper Moves**
* Alongside De Gea, **Forest also targeted Aaron Ramsdale**, who had been benched at Arsenal in favor of David Raya.
* Ultimately, they **signed Matz Sels** from Strasbourg for **£5.1 million**, and he took over the No. 1 role for the remainder of the season.
* Forest now have **Matz Sels, Matt Turner, Wayne Hennessey, and Odysseas Vlachodimos** in their goalkeeping ranks.
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### 🔵 **De Gea’s Current Status**
* As of June 2025, **David De Gea is still a free agent**.
* He has been linked with clubs in:
* **Saudi Arabia**
* **MLS (USA)**
* **La Liga**
* And even a potential **shock return to Manchester United** as a backup or mentor figure.
However, **no deal has materialized** so far.
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### 👀 What’s Next for De Gea?
* He is **eligible to sign at any time** due to his free-agent status.
* De Gea is said to be **waiting for the right opportunity**, possibly a club competing in Europe or one that offers long-term security and respect for his experience.
* A **return to Old Trafford** has been **rumored** — especially with INEOS overhauling the squad and seeking experienced leaders to guide younger players.
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Would you like a breakdown of **realistic clubs that could still sign De Gea** this summer — including potential backup or starter roles in top leagues?
