Man United Agree Onana Loan Deal with Trabzonspor as Final Decision Awaits

In a dramatic turn of events that could reshape Manchester United’s goalkeeping hierarchy, Trabzonspor have reached a verbal agreement with Manchester United to sign André Onana on loan, with the final decision now resting entirely with the Cameroonian shot-stopper himself.

Transfer Details and Timeline

The club-to-club verbal agreement is now in place, with everything depending on Onana’s personal decision. The Turkish Super Liga side have emerged as frontrunners after improving their offer over the weekend, successfully convincing Man United to sanction the temporary departure of their £50 million goalkeeper.

The timing is crucial, as the Turkish transfer window closes on Friday, September 12, giving Onana less than a week to reach his final decision. This narrow window adds urgency to a situation that has been developing throughout the summer transfer period.

Why Man United Are Open to Onana’s Departure

The Red Devils’ willingness to part ways with Onana stems from several factors that have fundamentally altered the goalkeeper’s standing at Old Trafford. United’s decision to spend £18.2 million on Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens on deadline day underlines their desire for a reset in goal.

Manager Ruben Amorim has made his intentions clear by dropping Onana from his first XI in favour of Altay Bayindir for all three Premier League games this season. The Cameroonian’s only appearance came in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town, where his mistakes contributed to a shocking penalty shootout defeat.

Performance Concerns at Old Trafford

Onana’s spell at Old Trafford has been troubled by repeated errors across two seasons, with the goalkeeper making five errors leading to goals as United finished 15th in the Premier League last season. These statistics paint a concerning picture for a goalkeeper who arrived with high expectations from Inter Milan.

Trabzonspor’s Strategic Move

The Turkish giants have identified Onana as their primary target after selling Turkey international Ugurcan Cakir to Galatasaray last week. Currently sitting second in the Super Lig behind Galatasaray, Trabzonspor view the acquisition of Onana as a statement signing that could bolster their title ambitions.

For Trabzonspor, this would represent a major coup, offering the 29-year-old a fresh platform after a turbulent period in England. The Black Sea Storm initially explored other options, including making an approach to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, before pivoting to the United goalkeeper.

The Hidden Motivation Behind Onana’s Decision

Beyond the immediate need for regular playing time, there’s a compelling personal reason driving Onana’s potential move to Turkey. The 29-year-old may choose to leave Old Trafford because he wants to avoid getting sucked into a transfer saga during the African Cup of Nations in January, with the tournament running from December 21 to January 18.

This strategic thinking demonstrates Onana’s commitment to maintaining his international career with Cameroon, where regular club football would be essential for securing his place in the squad for the continental championship.

Financial Implications and Contract Considerations

The loan arrangement comes at a time when Onana’s relationship with United’s hierarchy has been strained. The Cameroonian had sought improved terms during the summer, frustrated by the 25 percent wage cut that followed United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Onana currently earns £200,000-a-week and still has three years left on his contract, making this loan move a significant financial commitment that both clubs must carefully structure.

Impact on Manchester United’s Goalkeeping Department

With Onana’s potential departure, United would be left with a completely restructured goalkeeping setup. The signing of Senne Lammens means United now have four first-team goalkeepers in their squad, creating an overcrowded situation that necessitates departures.

The hierarchy would likely see:

• Altay Bayindir – Current first choice
• Senne Lammens – New signing with high potential
• Tom Heaton – Veteran backup option

What This Means for Both Clubs

For Manchester United, Onana’s departure would represent the end of a disappointing chapter while potentially freeing up wages and squad space. United will hope that the 29-year-old impresses during his loan spell in Turkey so that they can sell him permanently in the summer.

Trabzonspor, meanwhile, would gain an experienced international goalkeeper with Champions League pedigree, despite his recent struggles. The Turkish club’s ambitions of challenging Galatasaray for domestic supremacy would receive a significant boost with Onana’s arrival.

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