David de Gea has considered retiring from football on more than one occasion since leaving Manchester United last summer.
The veteran goalkeeper, 33, is still unattached after ending his 12-year association with United despite interest from clubs throughout Europe. A Premier League return has recently been mooted in the form of Newcastle, but said interest has failed to materialize into a contract offer.
As speculation over his future has rumbled on in the background, De Gea has been working hard to maintain his fitness in the hope of securing a contract. However, it has now emerged that the Spaniard has contemplated hanging up his gloves in recent months.
A new report from The Athletic claims De Gea considers retiring both during the summer break and just after as a direct result of a lack of enticing offers following his departure from Manchester United.
The report goes on to outline that De Gea fielded offers from several top European clubs and some of a lower stature. He was also expecting proposals to arrive from Saudi Arabia. but there was little appetite to match the significant £375,000-a-week salary he received at his former club.
It’s noted that De Gea decided to walk away from Manchester United after a contract offer was withdrawn towards the end of his deal, with Erik ten Hag choosing to instead prioritize a move for his replacement Andre Onana.
While it remains to be seen if De Gea could contemplate retirement for a third time if an attractive offer is not put to him this month, he continues to be linked with clubs.
While he was touted for a short-term return to Old Trafford to provide cover for Onana during the Africa Cup of Nations, Newcastle would appear to be a more realistic option for the shot-stopper given their No.1, Nick Pope, has collapsed Surgery for a dislocated shoulder.
Magpies legend Alan Shearer recently urged them to move for De Gea, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: “I would agree [a] goalkeeper and center forward would be the two main priorities [in January] for me. But good luck trying to find a good center forward that you can bring in for a decent amount of money.”
On signing De Gea, he added: “Yeah, I would. I think Newcastle needs a goalkeeper, and De Gea is out there. I know the salary would be huge but they wouldn’t have to pay a fee for him.”