Manchester United are on the verge of securing the services of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana in a reported £47 million ($61 million, 55 million euros) deal, according to multiple UK media outlets.
The 27-year-old shot-stopper played a crucial role in Inter’s remarkable journey to the UEFA Champions League final and has a prior working relationship with United manager Erik ten Hag from their time together at Ajax.
It is believed that Onana will pen a five-year contract at Old Trafford, filling the void left by the departure of David De Gea and assuming the position of the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. The player himself has publicly stated that the transfer is going ahead.
United will initially pay 51 million euros, with an additional four million euros in performance-related add-ons. De Gea bid farewell to the Red Devils earlier this month after a 12-year stint with the club.
The Spanish goalkeeper encountered difficulties adapting to Ten Hag’s preference for playing out from the back, making Onana a more seamless fit for the Dutch coach’s tactical philosophy.
Onana’s football journey began at the age of 14 when he joined Barcelona’s youth academy after catching the eye at Samuel Eto’o’s academy in his native Cameroon. However, unable to secure a spot in Barcelona’s first team, he made the move to Ajax in 2015, where he experienced tremendous success under the guidance of Ten Hag, winning three Eredivisie titles in the Netherlands.
The impending acquisition of Onana represents Manchester United’s determination to bolster their squad for the upcoming season. With ambitions of challenging for top honors, the club is seeking to reinforce key positions, and the addition of an accomplished goalkeeper like Onana is seen as a significant step in the right direction.
As negotiations progress, fans eagerly await an official announcement confirming Onana’s arrival at Old Trafford. The Cameroonian’s impressive performances at Inter Milan and his familiarity with Ten Hag’s coaching methods provide optimism that he will seamlessly adapt to the demands of English football.
The acquisition of Onana is expected to enhance United’s defensive stability and further strengthen the team’s overall competitiveness. With his experience and proven ability to perform at the highest level, Onana’s arrival signifies the club’s commitment to building a squad capable of challenging for major honors both domestically and in European competitions.
As the deal nears completion, Manchester United fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Onana don the iconic red jersey and showcase his shot-stopping prowess at one of the world’s most historic football clubs.
