Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could be tempted by a dramatic return to Old Trafford when the January transfer window reopens, according to his compatriot Gaizka Mendieta.

De Gea, who departed United in 2023 after a contract dispute, joined Fiorentina in August 2024 and has since been one of the standout goalkeepers in Serie A. The Spaniard spent 12 years at Old Trafford, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and two Carabao Cups during his illustrious spell.

Mendieta, speaking to OLBG, revealed that while De Gea is “happy” in Italy, he would “consider” a second spell in Manchester.

“He is still one of the best goalkeepers in Italy, probably internationally. To go back to Man Utd? I’m sure he would consider it. He was very happy there,” Mendieta said.

De Gea’s potential return comes at a time when United’s goalkeeping situation remains unsettled. André Onana, signed in 2023 to replace him, has struggled for consistency. Despite bringing in Senne Lammens this summer, coach Rúben Amorim has continued to juggle between Altay Bayındır and Tom Heaton.

United, currently languishing in mid-table after a poor start, face Sunderland this weekend needing a strong response following their defeat to Brentford.

Opinion

De Gea’s name returning to United’s orbit feels both nostalgic and timely. The Spaniard may have left under strained circumstances, but his legacy as one of the club’s greatest modern goalkeepers is undeniable. With Onana yet to convince and Amorim seemingly unsure of his best option between the posts, the whispers of De Gea’s return will only get louder if results don’t improve.

But here’s the twist: would a reunion really solve United’s deeper issues? De Gea’s shot-stopping brilliance was never in doubt, but modern football increasingly demands keepers who can build play with their feet — the very reason United moved on. Bringing him back might steady nerves in the short term, but it risks being another case of United looking backward instead of forward.

Still, the romance of a De Gea comeback is hard to ignore. In a time when United are desperate for stability and leadership, perhaps the old guard could offer exactly that.