There could be some interesting developments in Manchester United’s goalkeeping department in the coming days, as Andre Onana could depart before the end of the summer.
The Cameroonian has been the Red Devils’ No.1 since completing a £47.5 million transfer from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023. However, he has spectacularly failed to live up to the expectations, showing very little of the composure and solidity he displayed during his solitary year at San Siro.
Unfortunately for MUFC, Onana has been error-prone and was even described as ‘unpopular’ with his teammates due to his tendency to produce flamboyant stunts at a time when a more measured approach is required.
Andre Onana has yet to play for Man United this season
Similar to the club as a whole, the 29-year-old began his career seeking redemption, but he suffered a hamstring injury that prevented him from taking part in the club’s pre-season friendlies. Although he recovered in time for the Premier League opener against Arsenal, Ruben Amorim still opted to play the equally unconvincing Altay Bayindir, whose blunder gifted Riccardo Calafiori the winner.
Therefore, Man Utd are desperate to sign a new custodian in the coming weeks, but offloading either of their uninspiring custodians remains a difficult task for INEOS.
Nevertheless, sources close to Stretty News confirm Inter Milan’s interest in bringing back Onana who only left wonderful memories of his time at the club, especially with his heroics on the road to the Champions League final in 2023.
Inter Milan interested in Onana, but can they afford him?
The Nerazzurri currently have a reliable No.1 in Yann Sommer, but he will turn 37 in December, and his contract will expire in June. Josep Martinez was brought in as a younger understudy last summer, but the Spaniard has yet to be put to the test.
However, these sources also reckon that the asking price remains a significant obstacle for the cash-strapped Inter. Man United are currently seeking a transfer fee in the region of £30 million to avoid recording a capital loss on Onana.
On the other hand, money shouldn’t be an issue for Onana’s Saudi Pro League suitors, namely Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Qadisiyah. However, it remains to be seen if any of these clubs will decide to launch a late-summer onslaught.
In the meantime, Man Utd are anxiously awaiting offers, as they hope to reinvest the figure in a new goalkeeper. The Premier League giants have been heavily linked with Aston Villa’s experienced custodian Emiliano Martinez and Royal Antwerp’s rising star Senne Lammens.
