It appears as though ex-Manchester United goalkeeper and club legend David de Gea has finally found a new club after more than a year since he departed from Old Trafford.
The Spanish keeper, who was the Red Devils’ number one for 12 years, left Manchester back in July 2023 and had been without a team for more than 15 months, but it looks like his lengthy absence from football has finally now come to an end.
According to multiple sources, de Gea has reached an agreement to sign for Italian club Fiorentina on a one-year deal this week and is set to earn approximately £2.5 million per season.
The former Man United star arrived around lunchtime in Florence today (Friday, 9 August) for his medical ahead of signing the contract which is said to include an option for a further year.
Undeniably one of the best shot-stoppers on the planet at his peak, the 33-year-old’s latter days at United may have been less assured than in his heyday, but he still remains highly revered among many fans and the so-called goalkeepers’ union, with the fourth-most clean sheets in Premier League history.
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The former Atlético de Madrid man – who was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for a then-British record fee of £17million at the age of just 21 – went on to surpass Alex Stepney to make the most appearances of any keeper at the club (545), win two golden gloves and earn the Player of the Season award four times.
Despite being out of action professionally, De Gea was most recently seen training at a national team facility back in his home country after posting a video along with the caption, “Ready to rock”.
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Prior to that, he had made appearances at Man United Women’s games at Leigh Sports Village and was seen training at the nearby J Davidson Stadium: the home ground of fast-growing local side Altrincham FC, which is located near his former home in Chesire.
But now it looks as though the gloved veteran will soon be swapping practice in non-league surroundings for a role back between the sticks for the Serie A side who many have dubbed a ‘sleeping giant’, with two league titles, six Coppa Italia trophies and a number of other accolades to their name.
‘La Viola’ haven’t won any silverware in over two decades and having cycled through a variety of keepers in the past few seasons, they will be hoping to establish a consistent number one.
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Moreover, if de Gea can rediscover the form that saw him courted by Real Madrid for several years during his tenure at United, the free agent could prove to be an astute bit of business and potentially key in helping their league favour and chances in other competitions.
Once again taking part in the UEFA Conference League and only narrowly missing out on a seventh Italian cup at the hands of an Inter Milan double in 2023/24, could de Gea icon be the difference for a resurgent Fiorentina?
And what about you, Reds – do you prefer life with André Onana or do you miss the days of ‘Dave Saves’?
Manchester City to commemorate Sir Howard Bernstein ahead of Arsenal game this weekend
Danny Jones
Manchester City have announced that they will be dedicating their upcoming Premier League fixture to the late, great Sir Howard Bernstein.
The former Manchester City Council chief executive and influential native passed away earlier this year following a “period of illness” at the age of 71.
With tributes flooding in from all over the world of local business, music, sport and more, his passing was described as “a huge loss to all 10 boroughs”.
As a lifelong Blue, the club also joined the region as a whole in paying their respects to the revered local figure – who is credited with helping stabilise Greater Manchester‘s economy and helping usher in the city’s modern era – but now they will be observing a special commemoration this weekend.
Ahead of this Sunday's fixture against Arsenal, the Club will commemorate our Honorary President, Sir Howard Bernstein (1953-2024)
As detailed in a statement on the club site, City wrote: “During this tenure [on the City Council], the city of Manchester enjoyed an incredible resurgence both economically and culturally following the decline of former manufacturing industries.
“One of his greatest achievements as Chief Executive was bringing the enormously successful Commonwealth Games to Manchester in 2002, using sports-led regeneration to breathe new life into Manchester, which in doing so, paved the way for Manchester City’s move to the then City of Manchester Stadium (now known as the Etihad Stadium), from Maine Road.
“Before kick-off, a dedication to Sir Howard’s life will be read, followed by a minute’s applause, providing our players and fans with an opportunity to pay their respects to a lifelong Man City fan who dedicated his life to the city of Manchester.”
As is often custom with gestures of remembrance, City players and manager Pep Guardiola will also be wearing black armbands for the duration of the match.
Bernstein was knighted back in 2003, and deputy lieutenant for Greater Manchester by 2017, his list of recognitions is almost as long as his contributions to the county.
Even once he retired from the Council after more than 40 years of unwavering service, he still fulfilled key roles for Manchester-based organisations. He was even made an honorary president of both Man City and Lancashire Cricket Club – the lattermost title he held for a decade.
If the word legend truly does get thrown around too much, this is one of the cases where it doesn’t even come close to summing up the impact the loyal local servant had on the home he loved so much.
The Blues kick-off against title-rivals Arsenal at 4:30pm on Sunday, 22 September and when his name and image come up on the big screen at the Etihad, the supporters are sure to be in full voice.
Meanwhile, in-house, club captain Rodri is one of several professional footballers once again calling for a review of the increasingly congested fixture list as concerns are once again being raised over the number of games players are expected to play per season.
Tributes paid as Curzon Ashton FC founder Harry Twamley dies following a ‘long illness’
Danny Jones
Tributes are pouring as local team Curzon Ashton FC have confirmed that club founder Harry Twamley BEM has sadly passed awayat the age of 82.
Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, the National League North side shared the news on Wednesday morning, with fans across the region as well as up and down the English footballing pyramid paying their respects.
Posting on social media, the Curzon Ashton official accounts wrote: “It is with deep regret that we announce that Harry Twamley (BEM) passed away after a long illness.”
“Our condolences are expressed to Richard and Jayne and to the rest of his family at this time.”
While they explained that a full statement will be shared online in the coming days, the initial announcement on the club website featured heartfelt words from former club chairman Wayne Salkeld, who took over from Twamley back in the 2018/19 season, spending five years at the helm.
Salkeld said: “It’s a sad day for everyone at the club. I was honoured when Harry asked me to become chairman in 2018/19 and I will never forget that day.
“I’m going to miss our phone calls which were every day. Thanks for the memories and we will work hard to keep your legacy going.”
Curzon Ashton director Oliver Newall also shared a touching tribute to the club founder, who set up the club back in 1963, adding: “What an incredible man. Someone who brought Curzon Ashton into the world and whom without we would not have had so many amazing moments and memories.
“The word legend gets thrown around too often… Harry Twamley was a legend and he will be missed so much.” He was joined by numerous fans and other clubs in offering their condolences.
By all accounts, one of the loveliest men in football. (Credit: Screenshots via X)
Other teams paying tribute included Salford City, Saddleworth Cricket Club and nearby non-league outfit, FC United of Manchester.
The lattermost wrote: “From all at FC United, we would like to pay our respects to a legend of the game in Greater Manchester, we ground-shared at Curzon Ashton and saw first-hand what an immense character Harry was.”
Twamley was named in Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s Honours list back in 2017 and awarded an Order of the British Empire medal for his services to amateur football. Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, The Nash and their supporters.
Rest in peace to an important local figure and treasured champion of the grassroots game.
Danny Jones -
9th August 2024 
