David de Gea tipped to make shock return to football after Man Utd exit

A European giant could offer David de Gea a shock return to football a year after he left Manchester United.

De Gea's 12-year spell at United came to an end when his contract at Old Trafford expired last summer, and he has been without a club ever since.

The Spanish goalkeeper made 545 appearances for United and won the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup along the way.

De Gea was keen to stay at United until the club withdrew their original offer of a new contract and try to reduce the terms of the deal.

Last month De Gea reportedly turned down the chance to return to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.

However, now it looks like he could make a surprise return to the top level of European football.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are considering making an offer to the former United star.

Barca are set for a summer of upheaval due to the departure of manager Xavi Hernandez.

Whoever replaces the club legend in the dugout will want to bring in their own players, although Barcelona's precarious financial situation will make several departures necessary for that to happen.

Top of the shopping list for the incoming coach will likely be a new goalkeeper.

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Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been the club's undisputed number one since 2016, but after a dip in form over the last year or so, his future looks uncertain.

The Germany international has reportedly received an offer from Al-Ittihad, and could be tempted by the riches on offer in the Saudi Pro League.

Even if Ter Stegen doesn't leave, Barca might want to bring in De Gea as his understudy.

Inaki Pena deputised for the 31-year-old during his recent 17-game injury lay-off, but the academy graduate wasn't entirely convincing.

Barcelona won't be able to offer De Gea the kind of money Al-Ittihad can, but the chance to return home 13 years after he left Atletico Madrid might prove an opportunity too good to pass up.