Manchester United have set their sights on Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic as a potential replacement for their struggling first-choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana, ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window. The Red Devils are actively exploring options to bolster their goalkeeping department following a disappointing Premier League campaign, with Onana’s inconsistent performances drawing significant scrutiny.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have initiated “initial contacts” with Torino to inquire about the availability and price tag of the 28-year-old Serbian international. Milinkovic-Savic, who stands at an imposing 6ft 8in, has enjoyed a standout season in Serie A, recording 11 clean sheets in 36 appearances and conceding just 39 goals. His remarkable penalty-saving ability, having stopped four out of five spot-kicks faced this season, including efforts from high-profile players like Christian Pulisic and Mateo Retegui, has further elevated his stock.
The interest in Milinkovic-Savic marks a potential homecoming for the goalkeeper, who was briefly part of Manchester United’s academy in 2014 after being signed from Serbian club Vojvodina for approximately £1.4 million. However, work permit issues prevented him from playing in England, leading to his release in November 2015. Since then, Milinkovic-Savic has forged a successful career, first with Polish club Lechia Gdansk and later with Torino, where he has established himself as one of Serie A’s top goalkeepers since joining in 2017.
Andre Onana’s tenure at Old Trafford has been marred by high-profile errors, most notably in the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon, where his mistakes contributed to a 2-2 draw. The Cameroonian goalkeeper was subsequently dropped by head coach Ruben Amorim for a match against Newcastle United, though he has since returned to the starting lineup. Despite Amorim’s public backing, speculation about Onana’s long-term future persists, with reports suggesting interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. Backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has also failed to impress when called upon, conceding eight goals in just two Premier League appearances this season, and is reportedly considering a move to secure regular playing time, possibly back in Turkey.
Manchester United’s goalkeeping woes have prompted the club to accelerate their search for a new shot-stopper, with Milinkovic-Savic emerging as a credible candidate alongside Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, who is also on their radar but faces competition from Arsenal. Torino, aware of the growing interest in their star goalkeeper, are reportedly “panicking” and exploring options to extend Milinkovic-Savic’s contract, which runs until June 2026 with an option for an additional year. The Italian club could demand around €20 million (£17 million) for his services, a figure that includes a release clause, making him an attractive, cost-effective option for United.
The Red Devils’ pursuit of Milinkovic-Savic is not without competition, as Manchester City and Chelsea have also been linked with the Serbian, while several Italian clubs are monitoring his situation. Torino’s president, Urbano Cairo, has confirmed that no formal bids have been received but acknowledged the “normal” speculation surrounding his goalkeeper’s future given his impressive performances.