Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor and English giants Manchester United have reportedly struck a verbal agreement for the loan of goalkeeper André Onana. The deal remains subject to final approval from Onana himself, marking a potential shift in his tumultuous career at Old Trafford.
Since his arrival from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023 for a fee initially reported as £43.8 million, with some sources quoting up to £47.2 million, Onana was hailed as a top-tier shot-stopper. However, his time at Old Trafford has been marred by high-profile errors that have shaken confidence in his abilities.
This season has been especially challenging for the 29-year-old Cameroonian. He missed the entirety of preseason due to a hamstring injury, and so far has featured only once — in a disastrous Carabao Cup tie that ended in a humiliating loss to League Two side Grimsby Town, during which he was at least partially culpable.
Meanwhile, manager Ruben Amorim has placed his trust elsewhere, handing the starting role to Altay Bayindir in United’s Premier League matches.
Adding further competition, Manchester United secured the services of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on Deadline Day for around £18.2 million. Lammens, just 23, arrives with high potential and has been positioned by United as a shot-caller for the future.
With the Turkish transfer window remaining open until September 12, Trabzonspor has moved swiftly to find a replacement for Ugurcan Çakir, who was recently sold to Galatasaray for up to €36 million. The verbal agreement reflects a pressing need on their part to reinforce the goalkeeping department and a viable path for Onana to reestablish himself as a reliable starter.
As it stands, Manchester United’s internal hierarchy at goalkeeper includes Onana, Bayindir, Lammens, and veteran Tom Heaton — making gametime increasingly scarce for the Cameroonian. Reports indicate that, while United are open to the loan move, the final decision lies with Onana himself.
The developments have sparked commentary among fans and pundits. On social media, enthusiasm for the move has been palpable. One user quoted Fabrizio Romano’s message: “Trabzonspor and Man United have agreed loan deal for André Onana! Club to club agreement done today … final decision on move now only up to André Onana.” Though the comment may be lighthearted, it underlines the gravity of the moment.
From a broader perspective, the loan would offer Onana the platform he needs to rediscover his form. At Trabzonspor, he would be expected to play regularly, competing at a high level and possibly contesting the Süper Lig title — a competition in which the club last triumphed in 2022 and is expected to challenge once more.