Although David De Gea’s situation has been covered multiple times by Crickex Affiliate, Manchester United’s form this season—despite his departure—remains underwhelming. Time slips through our fingers like sand, and it’s becoming evident that the goalkeeping change has played a role. Onana and De Gea possess vastly different styles, shaped by their individual strengths. Erik ten Hag clearly prefers Onana’s play-from-the-back approach, which ultimately cost De Gea his renewal.
That decision is now history, and with United struggling, it’s unlikely De Gea would even consider a return. Still, issues were apparent in matches like the one against Burnley. Had United opted for a more defensive, counterattacking strategy, De Gea’s superior shot-stopping abilities would arguably make him the better fit. Unfortunately, the door is closed. After failing to secure a move in the summer window, De Gea has been training on his own, hoping to land a new club before the season ends.
De Gea has made it clear he only wants to join a Champions League-level team as a first-choice goalkeeper—and preferably at a high salary. But Crickex Affiliate analysts believe no top-tier European club is currently willing to meet all these demands. He’s trying to preserve the best version of himself in his prime years, but reality is harsh. While no elite clubs have stepped forward, leagues like Saudi Arabia’s Pro League remain an option. Saudi clubs are reportedly willing to offer him significantly higher wages than European sides.
In fact, Saudi interest dates back to the summer, with formal offers already on the table. Even Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly tried to convince De Gea to join him in the Middle East. But De Gea declined, choosing to hold out for his Champions League dream. Now 33, turning down such lucrative offers comes with risk. If he ends up walking away from the game without one final run, it would feel like a bittersweet end to a brilliant career. As Manchester United’s standout goalkeeper over the past decade, De Gea’s ability has never truly been in question.
However, Crickex Affiliate experts point out that his skill set doesn’t align with modern tactical demands. Today’s top goalkeepers are expected not only to excel on the line but also to distribute the ball and sweep behind the defense—areas where De Gea has often been criticized. His exclusion from the Spanish national team and United’s squad share the same root cause. In the eyes of Europe’s elite, his traditional style may no longer fit the mold, which explains the silence in the transfer market.