Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea in talks to join Real Betis

David De Gea, who has been a free agent since his contract with Manchester United expired in July 2023, is deep in negotiations to join La Liga side Real Betis, according to a report from ElDesmarque.

The report claims that not only have Betis “met with David De Gea to explore the possibility of incorporating him into the squad,” but also that the 33-year-old “would welcome joining the green and white ranks.”

De Gea, a two-time Premier League Golden Glove winner, Premier League champion, and five-time PFA Player of the Year with Manchester United, would be returning to his roots in La Liga, where he first broke onto the scene with Atletico Madrid in 2009.

This news represents some of the first concrete movement on De Gea’s future since he was rumored to be in negotiations with Manchester United over a potential return a few weeks ago. Previously, De Gea had also been linked with a move to Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and even the Saudi Pro League.

Rumors of De Gea’s return to Manchester United had begun circulating due to the poor form of recent goalkeeper signing, André Onana, despite reports in the summer making it clear that both United and De Gea had mutually agreed to start a new chapter.

With this recent report, though, there appears to be serious momentum toward a potential resolution to De Gea’s saga. Real Betis’ first-choice goalkeeper, Rui Silva, is currently injured until after the international break and has been struggling for form all season. De Gea is familiar with La Liga, having started 57 matches for Atletico Madrid, and given his illustrious pedigree, would likely be the immediate favourite to take the #1 shirt from Los Verdiblancos.

Additionally, Betis currently sit 6th in La Liga, only five points off Champions League qualification, as well as top of Group C in the Europa League, meaning they have serious ambitions for which they might need De Gea.

Playing time, plus his Spanish nationality and Real Betis’ three-hour train ride distance from his hometown of Madrid, would likely be more than capable of persuading De Gea to end his prolonged search.

Most Manchester United fans will be happy to see De Gea find his next club, as the terms he left the Red Devils on were fairly amicable. However, will the Spanish international find the form he was so inconsistent with in previous seasons and make United regret their decision?

Only time will tell.