De Gea’s journey back to the top has been one of patience and persistence. After leaving United when his contract was allowed to run down in June 2023, he spent a full year away from the professional game. After a year of waiting for the right opportunity, the Spaniard was tempted back to the field by Fiorentina as a free agent in the summer of 2024.
Since arriving in Florence, he has proven that class is permanent, consistently delivering the kind of remarkable saves that made him a Premier League icon. This form has been crucial for Fiorentina during a challenging campaign, which saw them finish 15th in Serie A, exit the Coppa Italia in the round of 16, and bow out of the UEFA Conference League at the quarter-final stage. Despite these team struggles, his current contract runs to June 2028 with an option to extend for a further year, suggesting he is comfortable in his current surroundings unless a specific call comes from England.