Manchester United are set for a surprise transfer twist as goalkeeper Andre Onana edges closer to a loan move to Turkish giants Trabzonspor.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United have reached an agreement with the Super Lig side to send the Cameroon international out on loan for the remainder of the season.
Onana, however, has not yet given the green light to the switch, though Turkey’s transfer window remains open until September 12, giving plenty of time for the deal to be finalized.
The shock move comes just days after United sealed the Deadline Day signing of Senee Lammens in a deal worth over £18 million. With Lammens joining Altay Bayindir and veteran Tom Heaton, head coach Ruben Amorim suddenly has four first-team goalkeepers at his disposal.
Onana’s struggles have been well-documented since his arrival at Old Trafford from Inter Milan. His only appearance so far this campaign ended in disaster, with the former Ajax stopper at fault for both goals in a humiliating Carabao Cup defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby Town. He also failed to make an impact in the subsequent penalty shootout loss.
Meanwhile, Bayindir has taken full advantage of Onana’s injury layoff at the start of the season. The Turkish international started United’s opening league fixtures and retained his place in the recent win over Burnley.
Speaking last month, Amorim publicly backed his keepers despite mounting criticism:
“I’m happy with the three goalkeepers,” the United boss told reporters, standing firm in his support for Onana, Bayindir and Heaton.
However, former United captain Gary Neville expressed serious doubts on his podcast, insisting the club still lack a commanding No. 1:
“There’s a glaring issue Manchester United cannot ignore. They need a goalkeeper who dominates his area, makes big saves, and wins you points. That’s something they’re missing.”
With Onana’s Old Trafford career hanging in the balance, a move to Trabzonspor could offer him the chance to revive his form away from the intense spotlight of the Premier League.
