Manchester United’s goalkeeper André Onana is set for a fresh start in Turkey after reportedly agreeing to join Trabzonspor on a season-long loan. The move comes after a turbulent spell at Old Trafford that has cast doubt over his future with the Premier League giants.
According to The Athletic, the Turkish Süper Lig club has agreed to take on Onana’s full salary package and even structured performance-related bonuses that could see the Cameroon international nearly double what he earned in Manchester. Crucially, the deal contains no transfer fee and no option-to-buy clause, highlighting the temporary nature of the switch.
Onana arrived at United in the summer of 2023 in a high-profile £48 million move from Inter Milan, where he had impressed during their run to the Champions League final. His signing was meant to usher in a new era of modern goalkeeping at Old Trafford, given his ability to play out from the back and command his box.
Instead, his time in Manchester was plagued by inconsistency and high-profile errors. A series of mistakes in both domestic and European competitions undermined his confidence and left fans questioning his suitability as the club’s long-term number one.
The lowest point came in the Carabao Cup upset against League Two side Grimsby Town, where Onana was at fault for both goals in normal time and then conceded 12 out of 13 penalties in the shootout defeat. The performance was widely criticized and effectively sealed his fate.
Manager Rúben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag earlier this year, gradually lost faith in Onana and eventually dropped him from his plans altogether. With no major European clubs willing to take the risk of a permanent transfer, a loan move to Turkey became the only realistic option for the 28-year-old to revive his career.
Meanwhile, Amorim has already turned to Senne Lammens as his new first-choice goalkeeper. The 23-year-old Belgian, signed for £18 million from Royal Antwerp on deadline day, has been handed the responsibility of stabilizing a position that has been a persistent problem for United since the departure of David de Gea.
For Onana, the move to Trabzonspor represents a crucial opportunity to rebuild both his form and reputation away from the relentless spotlight of the Premier League. Trabzonspor, who are pushing to reclaim their place among Turkey’s elite clubs, will hope the Cameroonian can rediscover the commanding presence that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after goalkeepers.
While his Manchester United career appears to be on hold rather than over, many fans believe his departure may be the beginning of the end of his chapter at Old Trafford. If he thrives in Turkey, United could either cash in on him next summer or reconsider his role. But if his struggles continue, it may mark the permanent decline of what once promised to be a stellar career.
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