David de Gea reportedly turned down the chance to join a Premier League side during the January transfer window, despite being available as a free agent. The former Manchester United goalkeeper, who left Old Trafford last summer after 12 years, remains without a club. While there have been ongoing links to a potential move to Saudi Arabia, no agreement has been finalized.
Nottingham Forest approached the 33-year-old with a proposal for a short-term deal, hoping to bring his wealth of experience into their squad for the remainder of the season. However, De Gea rejected the offer, showing little interest in a brief stint and instead choosing to wait for a more suitable opportunity.
In their efforts to strengthen their goalkeeping options, Forest also made contact with Arsenal about a possible move for Aaron Ramsdale, who had fallen down the pecking order following the emergence of David Raya. Despite these attempts, Forest eventually opted to sign Matz Sels from Strasbourg in a deadline day move worth £5.1 million. Sels committed to a three-and-a-half-year contract and joins a goalkeeper unit already featuring Matt Turner, Wayne Hennessey, and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
De Gea’s decision leaves him still in search of a new club. Despite the window being closed, his status as a free agent means he can still be signed at any time. Throughout his career, De Gea has racked up an impressive 545 appearances for Manchester United and earned 45 caps for Spain, making him one of the most accomplished goalkeepers currently without a team.
Though inactive for an extended period, he is reportedly keeping fit through private training. He is said to be holding out for a more long-term contract, preferably with a club where he can be the undisputed first choice in a competitive league. With such a high-profile résumé, De Gea remains an attractive option for clubs needing experience and stability in goal.
