Newcastle United has received an offer to acquire goalkeeper David de Gea on a free transfer, according to sources confirmed to 90min.
The Magpies faced a significant setback in the goalkeeping department when their starting goalkeeper, Nick Pope, dislocated his shoulder during a 1-0 victory at home against Manchester United on Saturday night.
As reported earlier on Monday by 90min, Newcastle has tentatively scheduled an April return for Pope, who will decide whether to undergo surgery later this week. Despite being linked to Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, Newcastle views him as a long-term target, making a move during the January transfer window unlikely, especially considering Arsenal’s reluctance to allow an exit before the end of the season.
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While Newcastle has plans to continue with backup goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, 90min understands that an alternative solution has been presented with the availability of De Gea. The Spanish goalkeeper, who left Manchester United at the end of his contract over the summer, has expressed a preference for his next club to be in Europe and ideally in the Champions League.
De Gea, 33, has not rushed into deciding his future after rejecting advances from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Newcastle’s Saudi PIF owners have a connection with De Gea’s camp from previous talks about a potential move to the Middle East. Additionally, he has recently emerged as an option for MLS side Inter Miami, captained by Lionel Messi.
Newcastle’s financial constraints, primarily due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, contribute to their reluctance to make substantial investments in a new goalkeeper during January. Therefore, a move for a free agent like De Gea appears to be a more feasible option for the club, allowing them to avoid the loan market for a temporary goalkeeper solution and potentially sign the Spaniard on a short-term contract.