Manchester United has made their first approach for Inter Milan's top goalie Andre Onana, as confirmed by Red Devils legend, Rio Ferdinand. However, Inter Milan has placed a strict time constraint on the negotiations, setting a deadline for July 20, potentially adding tension to the ongoing talks.
United's initial bid fell significantly short of the Italian club's valuation, with an offer of €40 million and €5 million in add-ons which fails to meet Inter's starting asking price of €60 million. The initial bid was quickly turned down, with the Italian club insisting on a significant increase for the Cameroonian shot-stopper.
Erik ten Hag, United's new coach, identified Onana as his preferred replacement for the current first-choice keeper David de Gea, whose contract is set to expire imminently. Ten Hag's familiarity with Onana from their time together at Ajax adds a layer of personal intrigue to this potential deal.
Rio Ferdinand, on his YouTube show 'Vibe With Five', spoke about United's pursuit for Onana, expressing concerns over Inter's high valuation. He revealed, "Bids are going in, bruv. I think they're gonna go for it, he's someone they want to try and get. But the problem is Inter's pricing."
De Gea's potential departure and the subsequent arrival of Onana would be a significant shift for United. "I don't care about that, that's fine, he'll have to go and find a new club," Ferdinand said about de Gea's likely exit, and added, "Onana 100 per cent. I went to watch him live in the Champions League semi-final, the confidence this boy has got!"
Onana's superior goalkeeping skills and ability to integrate into gameplay has made him a desirable asset. As Ferdinand quoted Pep Guardiola, "He's almost like another player. He comes out, plays on the edge of his box, and he wants to be involved in the build-up, he's a proper footballer. And he's a great shot-stopper."
If Manchester United cannot close the deal by the imposed deadline, Inter Milan is prepared to pull Onana off the market, leaving United to seek other alternatives. The ongoing tussle over the Cameroonian's future will be pivotal in shaping United's summer transfer strategy, as well as Inter's plans for the upcoming season.
