Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, who is now reviving his professional career in Italy with Fiorentina, has opened up with a cryptic statement regarding one of the most dramatic transfer collapses in modern football — his failed move to Real Madrid back in 2015.
Thоugh nearly a dесаdе hаѕ passed ѕіnсе the іnсіdеnt, De Gea remains tight-lipped аbоut thе finer details.
However, he has promised that once he hangs up his gloves, he will reveal everything that truly happened behind the scenes.
“One day, at the end of my career, I’ll explain what really happened that day,” De Gea told Cronache Di Spogliatoio, as cited by Sports Illustrated on Thursday, July 24, 2025. “When certain things happen, it’s not by coincidence — everything happens for a reason.”
Almost a Dream Homecoming
Back in 2015, David De Gea was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His performances at Manchester United were consistently world-class, and it was no surprise when Real Madrid came knocking on the door, hoping to bring the Spanish international back home to Madrid — the city of his birth.
For several months, negotiations between Manchester United and Real Madrid had been ongoing. A deal was in place that would see Keylor Navas move in the opposite direction as part of a swap agreement. Everything seemed ready for De Gea to join Los Blancos.
Hоwеvеr, іn a ѕtunnіng turn of еvеntѕ, thе trаnѕfеr fеll through in the fіnаl mіnutеѕ оf dеаdlіnе dау. According to reports at the time, the required paperwork failed to reach La Liga offices before the transfer window closed. That bureaucratic failure ended what could have been one of the biggest goalkeeper transfers in football history.
Choosing Loyalty Over Fame
In the aftermath of the failed deal, De Gea quickly renewed his commitment to Manchester United, signing a new contract within two weeks. He would go on to remain the Red Devils’ No.1 goalkeeper until the end of his long-term contract in 2023 — a tenure that spanned over a decade and included countless memorable saves and club honors.
“I stayed in Manchester, and I was happy,” De Gea said. “When I left Atletico Madrid in 2011, Courtois filled the gap I left, and years later, he joined Real Madrid and did very well. I’m happy for him.”
Even after leaving United in 2023, De Gea’s loyalty to the club remained unwavering. He revealed that during his one-year absence from professional football, he turned down multiple offers from English clubs — a testament to how deeply connected he felt to Manchester United.
“After spending so many years at Manchester United, I just couldn’t imagine myself wearing another English club’s shirt,” he stated. “It would have been impossible for me.”
The Ten Hag Turning Point
When De Gea’s final contract at United expired in 2023, there were initial discussions about extending his stay. However, the arrival of new manager Erik ten Hag shifted the club’s priorities. The Dutch tactician preferred a goalkeeper who was more comfortable playing out from the back, leading to the signing of Andre Onana.
This decision ultimately brought an end to De Gea’s legendary spell at Old Trafford — but it didn’t sever his emotional connection with the club.
A New Chapter with Fiorentina
Now at Fiorentina, David De Gea is writing a fresh chapter in his football journey. After a year away from the game, he has returned to top-level competition with renewed passion and purpose.
Though he remains elusive about the complete truth behind the Real Madrid saga, fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the day when De Gea finally reveals the full story. Until then, the mysterious collapse of the 2015 transfer remains one of football’s most compelling “what ifs.”
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