De Gea’s Fiorentina Future in Doubt Despite Resurgence Between the Posts

FolioPitch.com – 09 October 2026 | Former Manchester United keeper De Gea’s Fiorentina future uncertain despite return to form, with the Spanish goalkeeper‘s substantial salary emerging as a critical factor in the club’s long-term planning. According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, via FirenzeViola, the 35-year-old has rediscovered his best level after a challenging start to the season, producing decisive displays against Pisa and Napoli. He is expected to start again at Genoa on Saturday, but his impressive performances have not silenced speculation over his future in Florence.

De Gea, who turns 36 on November 7, remains under contract until June 2028 and enjoys an excellent relationship with the club. However, it is far from certain that he will see out the deal, as Fiorentina’s hierarchy weighs up whether to delay the handover to his successor or begin a new era between the posts next summer. The former Manchester United keeper De Gea’s Fiorentina future uncertain despite return to form, and the club’s decision-makers are acutely aware of the financial implications of any choice they make.

The Viola already considered parting ways with the veteran shot-stopper last summer. That was partly because of his €3m net annual salary, and partly because of the emergence of Tommaso Martinelli, who has been earmarked as his successor. The young Italian goalkeeper has been touted as the future of Fiorentina’s goalkeeping department, and his development has forced the club to think carefully about how long they can afford to keep De Gea as the undisputed number one.

Sporting director Fabio Paratici now holds the key to the situation. Over the coming months, he must choose between delaying the handover again and starting the post-De Gea era next summer, which would also ease the pressure on Fiorentina’s wage bill. The decision is far from straightforward, as De Gea’s form has reminded everyone of his enduring quality, while Martinelli’s potential continues to grow with every training session.

De Gea joined Fiorentina in 2024, ending more than a year without a club after leaving Old Trafford. His arrival was seen as a coup for the Serie A side, and after a difficult adaptation period, he has shown why he was once considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The former Manchester United keeper De Gea’s Fiorentina future uncertain despite return to form, and his recent performances have only intensified the debate among supporters and club officials alike.

The goalkeeper’s resurgence has been a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season for Fiorentina. His saves against Pisa and Napoli were match-defining moments, earning his team valuable points and reminding onlookers of the shot-stopping ability that made him a fan favourite at Manchester United for over a decade. Yet, at 35, and with a significant salary on the books, the club must balance short-term ambitions with long-term sustainability.

Martinelli, meanwhile, is widely regarded as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Italian football. The 21-year-old has been patiently waiting for his opportunity, and many within the club believe he is ready to take the next step. Should Fiorentina decide to promote him to the starting role, it would mark a significant shift in strategy, signalling a commitment to youth and financial prudence.

Paratici’s track record suggests he is not afraid to make bold decisions. During his time at Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur, he demonstrated a willingness to overhaul squads and prioritise long-term planning over short-term sentiment. The coming months will test his ability to manage a delicate transition, one that could define Fiorentina’s goalkeeping department for years to come.

From De Gea’s perspective, the situation is equally complex. He has rediscovered his love for the game in Italy and has spoken positively about his time in Florence. However, at this stage of his career, he will want assurances over regular first-team football. If Fiorentina cannot guarantee that beyond the current season, he may be forced to consider his options, with clubs in the Middle East and the United States reportedly monitoring his situation.

The former Manchester United keeper De Gea’s Fiorentina future uncertain despite return to form, and the next few months will be crucial in determining whether he remains a key figure at the Stadio Artemio Franchi or becomes a casualty of the club’s evolving vision. For now, he remains focused on the pitch, determined to help Fiorentina climb the Serie A table and silence the noise surrounding his contract.

In conclusion, David De Gea‘s tenure at Fiorentina is at a crossroads. His performances have quieted doubts about his ability, but they have not resolved the underlying financial and strategic questions. The club must decide whether to continue relying on an experienced, high-earning goalkeeper or to hand the reins to a young talent in whom they have invested considerable hope. Whatever Paratici chooses, it will shape Fiorentina’s identity for seasons to come, and De Gea’s legacy in Florence will be defined by how this saga unfolds.