David de Gea has agreed a deal to join Fiorentina as the former Manchester United goalkeeper prepares to finally return to competitive football, according to reports.
The former Spain international has been on football’s cold front for over a year since his contract at Old Trafford expired in June last year and has been patiently waiting for offers ever since.
Talks with Saudi Arabia and other European sides failed to turn into De Gea joining a new club as he remained in Manchester undergoing private training sessions to maintain his fitness.
However, the wait now finally appears to be over with De Gea agreeing personal terms with Serie A side Fiorentina just over a week before the new season begins, according to Fabrizio Romano.
De Gea had also been in talks with fellow Italian top-flight team Genoa before a deal collapsed as the shot-stopper’s wage demands forced the club into seeking out alternative options.
The one-time Premier League winner made 545 appearances across 12 years for United during which time he became the club’s top earner when he signed a £375,000-per-week deal.
His wage demands believed to be in the region of £5m-per-season are understood to have been an issue for club’s interested in his services, but has now finally agreed to return to football with Fiorentina.
De Gea has agreed a one-year contract with last season’s Europa Conference League finalists with the option of another season that could be activated depending on his performances.
The 33-year-old will now travel to Italy to undergo a medical before reporting for pre-season duty with the Italian top-flight outfit.
Fiorentina largely relied on 34-year-old goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano last season, while 18-year-old Tommaso Martinelli also made appearances.
De Gea would provide world class experience between the sticks for Raffaele Palladino’s side and could find himself playing against his old club in the Conference League if United drop out of the Europa League.
A match-up with a recognisable opponent in Chelsea could also be on the cards as the Blues join Fiorentina in the third-tier European club competition.
De Gea will likely need time to regain match fitness following such a long lay-off as Fiorentina get their league campaign underway against Parma on Saturday August 17.
