Al Ettifaq are reportedly plotting a January transfer for former Manchester United goalkeeper, David de Gea.
The Middle East outfit's head coach, Steven Gerrard is said to be targeting the Spanish International.
The former Manchester United shot-stopper remains without a club since being shown the exit door by United over the summer, but he could soon have a new club with a shock move on the line.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper left Man United earlier this year following the expiration of his contract.
De Gea earned up to £375,000 per week at Old Trafford and left because a new deal could not be agreed, with Andre Onana coming in to replace him as Erik Ten Hag's No 1 goalkeeper.
That brought an end to a 12-year stint at Old Trafford which started in the summer of 2011 when the goalkeeper was acquired from Atletico Madrid by legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
De Gea went on to make approximately 550 outings in that time and won the English Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and two League Cup titles during his time with the Red Devils.
De Gea departed Man United as Ten Hag's side opted to move on from the long-serving shoot-stopper, with the Dutchman only interested in Andre Onana due to his style of play that pleases the former Ajax boss's tactics.
Since the end of June 2023, De Gea's release from Old Trafford, the 30-year-old has been a free agent and has been without a club.
Being a free agent, the former Spain goalkeeper could join another club at any other time and does not need to wait for the January transfer window to seal a move.
And it seems that the former Atletico goalie could have a new club potentially lined up, although it could be a slightly apprehensive one.
According to football insiders, Al Ettifaq are leading the race for De Gea's signature, a possible uncomfortable transfer when you contemplate who is at the Saudi club.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard currently manages Al Ettifaq, having taken charge at the start of July.
The former England player has been recruiting several players from Europe since his takeover of the Middle East club
One of Gerrard's first signings in charge was to bring former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson to the club, meaning De Gea could end up being managed by and playing with two former Liverpool captains against whom he combated in one of England's ferocious rivalries.
However, Al Ettifaq are not the only option available to the former Spanish international.
He has also been linked with a move to his home country, with the goalie reportedly in talks with Spanish second-division club Eldense.
He has also held talks with Real Betis but no deal seems to materialize.
Meanwhile, a potential return to United has been lauded as a probability, with the club set to lose Onana at the start of next year due to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
David de Gea has recently rejected the chance to reunite with former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo who's playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
What's next for David de Gea?
De Gea is yet to decide on his next move and has been linked with several clubs.
However, it remains to be seen if the former Manchester United player will move to the Middle East in January.
The 30-year-old has also been linked with a move to several Saudi clubs with Al Hilal reportedly interested in his acquisition.
The Middle East outfit's head coach, Steven Gerrard is said to be targeting the Spanish International.
The former Manchester United shot-stopper remains without a club since being shown the exit door by United over the summer, but he could soon have a new club with a shock move on the line.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper left Man United earlier this year following the expiration of his contract.
De Gea earned up to £375,000 per week at Old Trafford and left because a new deal could not be agreed, with Andre Onana coming in to replace him as Erik Ten Hag's No 1 goalkeeper.
That brought an end to a 12-year stint at Old Trafford which started in the summer of 2011 when the goalkeeper was acquired from Atletico Madrid by legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
De Gea went on to make approximately 550 outings in that time and won the English Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and two League Cup titles during his time with the Red Devils.
De Gea departed Man United as Ten Hag's side opted to move on from the long-serving shoot-stopper, with the Dutchman only interested in Andre Onana due to his style of play that pleases the former Ajax boss's tactics.
Since the end of June 2023, De Gea's release from Old Trafford, the 30-year-old has been a free agent and has been without a club.
Being a free agent, the former Spain goalkeeper could join another club at any other time and does not need to wait for the January transfer window to seal a move.
And it seems that the former Atletico goalie could have a new club potentially lined up, although it could be a slightly apprehensive one.
According to football insiders, Al Ettifaq are leading the race for De Gea's signature, a possible uncomfortable transfer when you contemplate who is at the Saudi club.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard currently manages Al Ettifaq, having taken charge at the start of July.
The former England player has been recruiting several players from Europe since his takeover of the Middle East club
One of Gerrard's first signings in charge was to bring former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson to the club, meaning De Gea could end up being managed by and playing with two former Liverpool captains against whom he combated in one of England's ferocious rivalries.
However, Al Ettifaq are not the only option available to the former Spanish international.
He has also been linked with a move to his home country, with the goalie reportedly in talks with Spanish second-division club Eldense.
He has also held talks with Real Betis but no deal seems to materialize.
Meanwhile, a potential return to United has been lauded as a probability, with the club set to lose Onana at the start of next year due to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
David de Gea has recently rejected the chance to reunite with former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo who's playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
What's next for David de Gea?
De Gea is yet to decide on his next move and has been linked with several clubs.
However, it remains to be seen if the former Manchester United player will move to the Middle East in January.
The 30-year-old has also been linked with a move to several Saudi clubs with Al Hilal reportedly interested in his acquisition.