David de Gea reportedly turned down a chance to join a Premier League club during the January transfer window.
The former Manchester United goalkeeper, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford before departing last summer, remains a free agent.
While there were discussions about a potential move to Saudi Arabia, De Gea has yet to finalize any deal.
Nottingham Forest expressed interest in signing De Gea, offering him a short-term contract that guaranteed regular playing time until the end of the season.
However, the 33-year-old rejected the proposal, choosing instead to keep his options open.
In their search for a new goalkeeper, Nottingham Forest also considered Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, who recently lost his starting role to David Raya.
Ultimately, the club secured Matz Sels from Strasbourg for £5.1 million on the final day of the transfer window.
Sels joined on a three-and-a-half-year deal, adding depth to a squad that already includes Matt Turner, Wayne Hennessey, and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Despite the transfer window closing, De Gea remains available as a free agent, making him an attractive option for teams seeking a seasoned goalkeeper.
With 545 appearances for Manchester United and 45 caps for Spain, his experience and accomplishments stand out.
De Gea’s decision to decline Nottingham Forest’s offer highlights his deliberate approach in finding the right opportunity.
Although the club hoped to secure his services for the rest of the season, De Gea chose to explore longer-term prospects.
Forest’s interest in Ramsdale and their eventual acquisition of Sels underline their proactive efforts to strengthen their goalkeeping department.
Meanwhile, De Gea remains a prime candidate for clubs in need of an experienced and proven shot-stopper.
