Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq are eager to sign former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.
The former goalkeeper, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, is being pursued by the Saudi club currently managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
De Gea has been a free agent since leaving United at the end of last season after negotiations for a new contract fell through.
With a weekly wage of up to £375,000, The Red Devils replaced him with Andre Onana as Erik Ten Hag's No. 1 goalkeeper, spending £47million to sign the Cameroon international from Inter Milan.
The Sun has reported that De Gea is now being pursued by Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, who have been signing several European stars including Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Moussa Dembele following Gerrard's appointment as manager.
Meanwhile, it is no surprise as Gerrard has previously praised De Gea's shot-stopping ability, saying in 2018 that he considers him to be the best keeper in the world at that time.
Gerard has shown interest in signing the former Manchester United star David de Gea, a player whom he previously expressed ironic dislike towards.
He said De Gea is renowned for effortlessly making challenging shots appear simple and that quality makes him a world-class goalkeeper.
Gerard concluded by saying the 33-year-old Spaniard is likely the top goalkeeper in the current world.
Back in 2018, he told BT Sport: "Well I think the biggest compliment I can pay him is I hate him."
"So do all Liverpool fans. He makes difficult shots look easy, which is what world-class keepers do. I don't go off the stats or the graphs, I go off my eyes."
"You can look at them and change them and twist them in whatever way you want. He probably is the best keeper in the world at this present time."
In the meantime, De Gea is reportedly looking for a significant salary increase to join other high-profile players in the Middle East.
However, reports have it that Saudi clubs will be less inclined to offer excessive wages in the upcoming winter transfer window, following their substantial spending of over £750m in the summer.
However, if Al-Ettifaq cannot meet De Gea's wage requirements, other clubs are prepared to take advantage of the opportunity.
Since joining Manchester United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, De Gea has played over 500 games for the club and has been instrumental in their success, helping them win the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, and two League Cups.
What's next?
Steven Gerard ensured that Marcelo Gallardo's debut as head coach of Al-Ittihad resulted in a tough 1-1 draw against Al-Ettifaq on Friday, November 24.
In their next game, Al-Ettifaq will face off against Al Akhdoud at Prince Hathloul Bin Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium on Saturday, December 2, with the game set to start at 4 pm.
The former goalkeeper, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, is being pursued by the Saudi club currently managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
De Gea has been a free agent since leaving United at the end of last season after negotiations for a new contract fell through.
With a weekly wage of up to £375,000, The Red Devils replaced him with Andre Onana as Erik Ten Hag's No. 1 goalkeeper, spending £47million to sign the Cameroon international from Inter Milan.
The Sun has reported that De Gea is now being pursued by Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, who have been signing several European stars including Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Moussa Dembele following Gerrard's appointment as manager.
Meanwhile, it is no surprise as Gerrard has previously praised De Gea's shot-stopping ability, saying in 2018 that he considers him to be the best keeper in the world at that time.
Gerard has shown interest in signing the former Manchester United star David de Gea, a player whom he previously expressed ironic dislike towards.
He said De Gea is renowned for effortlessly making challenging shots appear simple and that quality makes him a world-class goalkeeper.
Gerard concluded by saying the 33-year-old Spaniard is likely the top goalkeeper in the current world.
Back in 2018, he told BT Sport: "Well I think the biggest compliment I can pay him is I hate him."
"So do all Liverpool fans. He makes difficult shots look easy, which is what world-class keepers do. I don't go off the stats or the graphs, I go off my eyes."
"You can look at them and change them and twist them in whatever way you want. He probably is the best keeper in the world at this present time."
In the meantime, De Gea is reportedly looking for a significant salary increase to join other high-profile players in the Middle East.
However, reports have it that Saudi clubs will be less inclined to offer excessive wages in the upcoming winter transfer window, following their substantial spending of over £750m in the summer.
However, if Al-Ettifaq cannot meet De Gea's wage requirements, other clubs are prepared to take advantage of the opportunity.
Since joining Manchester United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, De Gea has played over 500 games for the club and has been instrumental in their success, helping them win the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, and two League Cups.
What's next?
Steven Gerard ensured that Marcelo Gallardo's debut as head coach of Al-Ittihad resulted in a tough 1-1 draw against Al-Ettifaq on Friday, November 24.
In their next game, Al-Ettifaq will face off against Al Akhdoud at Prince Hathloul Bin Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium on Saturday, December 2, with the game set to start at 4 pm.