Fiorentina Set to Consider Offers for Ex-Man Utd Goalkeeper De Gea as Pressure Mounts

FolioPitch.com – 28 October 2026 | Fiorentina are prepared to listen to offers for David De Gea before the end of the season, despite manager Paolo Vanoli’s public backing for his captain, according to reports in Italy. The club are reassessing their options in goal, with the former Manchester United stopper’s form under scrutiny for a second straight campaign. As a result, Fiorentina set to consider offers for ex-Man Utd goalkeeper De Gea has become a growing talking point around the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Vanoli was emphatic before last weekend’s trip to San Siro: “He’s my captain, full stop. De Gea is not up for discussion.” The Spaniard responded with a superb display against Inter, only for Marcus Thuram and Piotr Zielinski to turn the game around in stoppage time. That 2-1 defeat left Fiorentina 18th with four points from eight games, and the club are already looking at alternatives.

The contradiction between the manager’s words and the club’s actions is telling. While Vanoli continues to defend his goalkeeper in public, sporting director Fabio Paratici is understood to be exploring the market for a potential replacement. The fact that Fiorentina set to consider offers for ex-Man Utd goalkeeper De Gea at the end of the season suggests that the hierarchy is not entirely convinced by the 34-year-old’s recent performances.

Internal Solutions and Transfer Targets

Tommaso Martinelli is one internal option. The 20-year-old is on loan at Serie B side Avellino with an option to buy, but Fiorentina hold a counter-option should Paratici decide to bring him back. Martinelli has impressed in the second tier and could provide a cost-effective solution if the club decides to move on from De Gea.

River Plate’s Santiago Beltrán, 22, is also on Paratici’s list. His contract runs until December 2027 and River want around €20m, with Inter and Premier League and Bundesliga clubs circling. Beltrán is regarded as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in South America, and his potential arrival would signal a shift towards a younger profile between the posts.

Lazio’s Christos Mandas was sounded out in the summer, without success. The Greek goalkeeper has since established himself as a reliable option for Lazio, and any move for him would likely be complicated and expensive. Nevertheless, the fact that Fiorentina set to consider offers for ex-Man Utd goalkeeper De Gea has forced the club to keep a wide list of candidates.

De Gea’s Form Under the Microscope

De Gea arrived at Fiorentina with a reputation as one of the best shot-stoppers of his generation, built during a decorated spell at Manchester United. However, his adaptation to Serie A has not been smooth. While he has produced moments of brilliance—such as his performance against Inter—consistency has been an issue. The defensive frailties around him have not helped, but the club’s scouts are reportedly unconvinced that he can be the long-term solution.

The numbers paint a concerning picture. Fiorentina have conceded 14 goals in eight league games, and only three teams have a worse defensive record. De Gea’s save percentage has dipped below 65%, and questions have been raised about his command of the area and distribution under pressure. These are the factors driving the internal debate.

Vanoli’s Dilemma

Paolo Vanoli finds himself in a delicate position. He has publicly backed his captain, perhaps to protect a player low on confidence, but results are not improving. The defeat to Inter, in which Fiorentina conceded twice in stoppage time, was a painful blow. With the club sitting in the relegation zone, the pressure is mounting on the manager to make tough decisions.

Vanoli must balance loyalty with pragmatism. Dropping De Gea could destabilise the dressing room, but persisting with an underperforming goalkeeper could cost him his job. The fact that Fiorentina set to consider offers for ex-Man Utd goalkeeper De Gea at the end of the season may be the club’s way of easing the transition, giving Vanoli time to find a replacement without a mid-season crisis.

What Next for De Gea?

If Fiorentina do decide to cash in, De Gea will not be short of suitors. Despite his recent struggles, his experience and pedigree remain attractive to clubs in need of a goalkeeper. A return to Spain, a move to the MLS, or even a role as a backup at a top European club could be on the cards. However, his high wages may complicate any transfer.

For now, De Gea remains Fiorentina’s captain and first-choice goalkeeper. But the writing may be on the wall. The club’s willingness to listen to offers is a clear signal that his future is far from certain. As the season progresses, the situation will be monitored closely by fans and pundits alike.

In conclusion, Fiorentina set to consider offers for ex-Man Utd goalkeeper De Gea reflects a club at a crossroads. The goalkeeper’s form, the team’s precarious league position, and the availability of younger alternatives have created a perfect storm. While Vanoli continues to offer public support, the decision-makers at the club are clearly weighing their options. Whether De Gea stays or goes, Fiorentina’s goalkeeping department is set for a significant shake-up.