Man Utd Shocks Football World with Andre Onana's Eye-Watering Transfer Fee
Manchester United have placed a valuation exceeding $50 million on loaned goalkeeper André Onana, as revealed by Trabzonspor vice president Zeyyat Kafkas.
Onana's initial two campaigns at Old Trafford significantly underperformed expectations, with recurring mistakes prompting United to seek goalkeeper reinforcements last summer—the Red Devils acquiring Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp late in the transfer window.
The Cameroon shot-stopper was quickly loaned to Turkey, and Lammens' reliable performances in United's goal have further highlighted Onana's disappointing displays since his 2023 arrival from Inter Milan.
Although Onana's market value has declined dramatically since the Red Devils invested $57 million in his acquisition, Kafkas claims they remain intent on recovering nearly the full amount for any permanent transfer.
"Manchester United's asking price for André Onana's permanent transfer was between €45-50 million ($52-58 million), and our President honestly communicated Trabzonspor's financial limitations to the club," stated Kafkas.
"I believe this information didn't impact Onana whatsoever. Onana's goal is to continue at a European club if not in England. His family shares this perspective. The President wished to clarify Trabzonspor's position. Nevertheless, should circumstances shift, the situation could change"
Man Utd Will Be Forced to Reduce Onana Valuation
Man Utd Will Be Forced to Reduce Onana Valuation
Describing United's assessment of Onana's worth as optimistic would be generous. Nearly three years following the goalkeeper's signing, and with him approaching 30 in April, they face the reality of being unable to recover their full investment.
The truth is United might consider themselves lucky to receive half their original expenditure on Onana, while securing a club prepared to assume his $164,000 weekly salary will further complicate any permanent move.
Onana remains under contract until 2028, and should United fail to secure a permanent buyer, they'll be compelled to arrange additional loan deals to remove his wages from their books.
He has featured in 21 matches across all competitions for Trabzonspor this campaign, recording four shutouts for the Süper Lig side currently sitting third, but regardless of his performances through season's end, Lammens will continue as Old Trafford's number one.
What remains uncertain is the identity of his backup. Altay Bayındır presently occupies that position, though he's anticipated to return to Turkey this summer, possibly for under $10 million. His departure would necessitate another foray into the transfer market—otherwise Onana could become one of football's most expensive second-choice keepers.