According to reports, Manchester United and Inter Milan have verbally agreed to terms for the transfer of keeper Andre Onana.
Man Utd is acquiring Andre Onana?
After it was revealed that David de Gea has officially departed Old Trafford after his contract expired, ending his 12-year stay in Manchester, the Red Devils are looking for a new starting custodian this summer.
After just one season with Inter Milan, Onana, who has been dubbed a “superstar” by the media, has been extensively linked with a transfer to the Premier League.
The international from Cameroon, who played 145 times for Ajax under Erik ten Hag, had a successful debut season in Italy. He kept 19 clean sheets in 41 games and helped the Serie A team advance to the Champions League final against Manchester City. Following the championship game in Istanbul, Pep Guardiola praised the goalie, saying:
“Onana’s footwork is outstanding. The forwards hold the ball up and move it around when you have a custodian like Onana who can read everyone’s passes flawlessly, along with Calhanoglu and Barella. It is quite challenging. Without this custodian, it would be little easier, but still quite difficult.
Personal terms between United and Onana have already been finalized at the beginning of the month, leaving a fee needing to be struck between the two clubs, something which now appears to have been agreed.
On Wednesday, journalist Rudy Galetti used Twitter to share a new development between Man United and Onana. He stated that a verbal agreement had been made between Inter and the Red Devils for a fee that would initially be worth £42 million plus an additional $5 million. However, Galetti notes that details must still be resolved:
“Andre Onana, the specifics: Man Utd and Inter already struck a verbal agreement regarding the transfer fee: £42m+£5m add-ons; new contacts are expected in the next 24/48h to settle the specifics and finalize the move,” the article reads. The Cameroon GK is prepared to sign on with MUFC.
Are Man Utd bringing in a fresh forward?
Onana’s transfer appears to be moving forward significantly and might be finished shortly with a verbal agreement in place. The Red Devils might not be finished there, as there might be more incomings and outgoings before to the upcoming season.
According to reports, up to 13 players, including Anthony Martial, a center-forward, are for sale. If the French attacker leaves, Ten Hag will be without a senior striker option and Marcus Rashford, a left winger, may once again play in a central position.
But there has been much talk about adding a new forward, with Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta attracting attention. The 20-year-old Danish international is thought to have received a cash-plus-player offer from Old Trafford, but Atalanta is only interested in a cash payment and wants about £85 million for him.
Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt is rumoured to be another contender for United, so after securing Onana’s services, focus may soon go to a new forward.