Overlooked Manchester United Star Sparks Champions League Transfer Buzz
André Onana might make a permanent departure from Manchester United to rejoin his previous club Inter Milan during the upcoming summer transfer window, as reports suggest "discussions" have taken place between his agents and the Italian Serie A club.
The Daily Mail reports that representatives from his camp have made the journey to Milan for conversations regarding "several possible transfers," with Inter being among the interested parties. The scenario involves United potentially selling him back to the Nerazzurri as a replacement for Yann Sommer, who is 37 years old and whose contract expires this summer.
Onana has been absent from Red Devils action since their embarrassing Carabao Cup elimination by Grimsby Town in August. At that point, he had already been displaced as the Premier League first-choice by Altay Bayındır, while a temporary move to Turkish side Trabzonspor followed shortly after promising Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens arrived at Old Trafford on transfer deadline day.
Will André Onana Ever Play for Man Utd Again?
Will André Onana Ever Play for Man Utd Again?
Currently, the prospects appear slim.
Even if Inter doesn't become his destination, reports of various "possible transfers" being explored should provide the Cameroon goalkeeper with sufficient alternatives to avoid returning to Manchester after the summer. A comeback wouldn't necessarily be negative—Onana was regarded as world-class fewer than three years ago—but the club appears to have shifted direction.
Approximately £18.2 million ($25.2 million) was spent to acquire Lammens from Royal Antwerp. While this represents only a portion of the £47.2 million invested in purchasing Onana from Inter during summer 2023, when his signing was meant to transform United's playing style under then-manager Erik ten Hag, it remains a substantial sum for a goalkeeper.
The Belgian shot-stopper, who has been compared to Thibaut Courtois, is just 23 years old and therefore quite young for his position. Lammens has delivered reliable, though unremarkable, performances following a turbulent period and is establishing himself as the undisputed number one.
Onana experienced memorable moments as Manchester United's first-choice keeper, frequently making spectacular saves. However, for every exceptional stop—including three Premier League Save of the Month honors, there were notable mistakes that have remained more prominent in supporters' minds.
Andre Onana's best saves for Man Utd ✨ pic.twitter.com/C4kPLzhhFB
André Onana's Man Utd Career by Numbers
André Onana's Man Utd Career by Numbers
Which Clubs Could André Onana Join?
Which Clubs Could André Onana Join?
Italy would suit Onana well. His single campaign with Inter resulted in reaching the Champions League final and secured him 23rd position in the 2023 Ballon d'Or rankings.
Recent news that Mike Maignan has signed a contract extension with AC Milan eliminates that previously available opportunity, but Napoli have faced injury concerns with Alex Meret this season and Juventus may consider upgrading from Michele Di Gregorio. Roma's Mile Svilar is reportedly attracting interest from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, potentially creating an opening to fill.
More challenging European destinations include Barcelona, where Onana developed for five years starting at age 14, and Paris Saint-Germain. The Premier League offers greater financial incentives, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United potentially being the largest clubs likely seeking a new goalkeeper.
Saudi Arabia remains a possibility, though the four top teams—Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli—currently have settled first-choice goalkeepers.
Major League Soccer might not provide sufficient appeal at this time.