MX23RW : Friday, December 27 12:07:07| >> :120:47243:47243:

Barcelona 'considering move for free agent David de Gea'

Barcelona 'considering move for free agent David de Gea'
© Reuters
Barcelona consider a move for free agent David de Gea to boost their goalkeeping department, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for David de Gea to boost their goalkeeping department.

The 33-year-old is still available on a free transfer following his release from Manchester United last summer.

De Gea has been linked with a number of clubs since his departure from the 20-time English champions, but he remains a free agent and is said to be patiently waiting for the right opportunity to return to football.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are considering a move for the Spaniard, viewing him a the ideal signing to boost their goalkeeping department, which is inexperienced.

The report claims that the Catalan giants view him as the perfect back-up for current number one Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who recently returned to first-team action after a back operation.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on May 14, 2023© Reuters

Having suffered a back injury over the November international break, Ter Stegen underwent an operation which ruled him out until earlier this month, making his return against Granada on February 11.

The 31-year-old has now featured in Barcelona's last three La Liga matches, in addition to the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash with Napoli on February 21.

In his absence, Inaki Pena enjoyed a run in the side, with the 24-year-old making 17 appearances this season, but he dropped back down to number two upon Ter Stegen's return.

There is a lack of experience beyond Ter Stegen and Pena, though, with Ander Astralaga, 19, Diego Kochen, 17, and Aron Yaakobishvili, 17, also a part of the goalkeeping department.

David de Gea in action for Manchester United on May 7, 2023© Reuters

De Gea would seemingly have to be willing to be a number two if he arrived at Barcelona, and it is unclear whether that appeals to him at this stage of his career.

The goalkeeper made 545 appearances during his time at Man United, including 58 outings last term, but he was released last summer, with Andre Onana moving to Old Trafford as the new number one.

De Gea has experience of operating in La Liga, meanwhile, playing 57 times in the competition for Atletico Madrid in the early stages of his career.

Barcelona's ongoing financial problems mean that they will again need to inventive in the transfer market this summer in order to boost their squad for next season.

There will also be a new manager at Camp Nou this summer, with current head coach Xavi announcing at the end of January that he will be standing down from his position at the end of the campaign.

ID:537739:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4996:
Written by
Matt Law

David de Gea future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about David de Gea

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski on September 23, 2023
Read Next:
Barcelona missing some key players for Royal Antwerp clash
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!