ANDRE ONANA ON THE MARKET! MAN UTD AIM TO OFFLOAD ERROR-PRONE GOALKEEPER TO SAUDI ARABIA AS RUBEN AMORIM EYES TWO REPLACEMENTS
Manchester United are reportedly open to selling goalkeeper André Onana just one season after his €55 million (£47 million) arrival from Inter Milan, with Saudi Pro League clubs emerging as potential destinations. The Cameroonian, who struggled with inconsistency in his debut Premier League campaign, could be part of a summer overhaul under incoming manager Ruben Amorim, who has identified two top-tier replacements to shore up United’s goalkeeping department.
Onana’s Rocky Season
Error-Prone Start: Onana’s first season at United was marred by high-profile mistakes, including costly errors in the Champions League group stage and a shaky start to Premier League fixtures.
Late Resilience: Improved form in 2024 (8 clean sheets in last 15 games) showcased his shot-stopping and distribution, but doubts persist over his reliability.
Saudi Appeal: Saudi clubs view Onana as a marketable star with Champions League pedigree. Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are reportedly preparing offers in the €30–40 million range.
Why United Might Cut Tails
Financial Flexibility: Selling Onana would free up funds and wage space for Amorim’s rebuild, with United needing to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Tactical Reset: Amorim prefers goalkeepers comfortable in aggressive, high-line systems—a profile some argue Onana doesn’t fully embody despite his passing range.
Player Openness: Onana is reportedly intrigued by a lucrative Saudi move, though he has publicly stated his commitment to fighting for his place at United.
Amorim’s Two Replacement Targets
Diogo Costa (Porto)
Profile: The 24-year-old Portuguese #1 is a proactive sweeper-keeper with elite reflexes and distribution (85% pass accuracy in Liga Portugal).
Cost: Porto demand €75 million (£64 million), but United could negotiate down given Porto’s financial pressures.
Fit: Costa’s command of the box and comfort in possession align with Amorim’s tactical demands.
Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
Profile: The 28-year-old France star is a proven elite goalkeeper, combining shot-stopping (78% save rate in Serie A) and leadership.
Cost: Milan value him at €60–70 million (£51–60 million), but his age and contract (expires 2026) complicate talks.
Fit: Maignan’s experience in title-winning setups (Lille, Milan) would bring immediate stability.
Wildcard Option: Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia)
The 23-year-old Georgian has impressed in La Liga with stunning reflexes and aerial dominance. Valencia’s €40 million (£34 million) asking price makes him a cost-effective alternative.
Saudi Interest: Deal Dynamics
Onana’s Wage Demands: His current £120k/week salary at United could triple in Saudi Arabia, making personal terms easy to agree.
United’s Stance: Will push for a fee close to their initial investment (€55 million) but may accept a loss to expedite Amorim’s rebuild.
Fan Reactions
United Supporters: “Onana improved, but if we can recoup funds and upgrade, it’s a no-brainer.”
Critics: “Selling after one season reeks of panic. Where’s the long-term planning?”
Neutrals: “Costa or Maignan would be massive upgrades. Amorim means business.”
What’s Next?
June: Saudi clubs expected to formalize offers, with Onana’s camp likely to engage.
July: Amorim will push for a quick resolution to secure his preferred goalkeeper ahead of pre-season.
Backup Plan: Dean Henderson could stay as #2 if a sale is delayed, but he’s also attracting interest from Crystal Palace.
Final Verdict
André Onana’s potential exit underscores United’s urgency to correct last summer’s missteps under Amorim. While his sale would be a financial hit, upgrading to Costa or Maignan could provide the stability needed to propel the club back into title contention. As one insider noted: “This isn’t just about replacing a goalkeeper—it’s about resetting the club’s standards.”
.jpg)
0 Comments