Reports suggest that English Premier League giants, Manchester United, are on the brink of acquiring the services of highly coveted Inter Milan goalkeeper, Andre Onana. Prominent football journalist, Fabrizio Romano, who is known for his reputable sources, has indicated that United's signing of the Cameroonian stopper is imminent.
The Red Devils have been locked in negotiations with the Nerazzurri over the 27-year-old goalkeeper for a week now, and it appears the former Ajax player will soon swap the San Siro for Old Trafford. Even though their initial proposal, amounting to €45 million with an extra €5m in add-ons, was rejected by Inter, the English club seems undeterred and is edging closer to finding common ground.
Romano has hinted that United's next bid, believed to be around the €55m mark, is likely to seal the deal. The respected Italian journalist further predicted that the transfer will be finalized by next week's end.
Manchester United are now really close to signing André Onana! Positive round of talks, final bid to arrive soon then done deal. #MUFC
Told deal will be SEALED by the end of next week.
Personal terms agreed.
️ Man United want Onana to travel for USA pre season tour. pic.twitter.com/f4lRQ0L1Ir — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2023
United's eagerness to secure Onana's signature stems from their goalkeeping situation. With David De Gea's contract set to expire and Dean Henderson looking likely to move on, United find themselves without a dependable first-choice keeper. Onana's arrival would rectify this, considering his outstanding performance in Serie A last season where he maintained an impressive 20 clean sheets.
Onana's style, particularly his adeptness with ball control and commanding possession, has caught the eye of United's manager, Erik ten Hag. The Cameroonian's experience under Ten Hag's stewardship at Ajax makes him an ideal fit for United's tactical system. He also boasts the ability to operate as a sweeper-keeper, a skill set that would greatly enhance United's defensive line.
Journalist Ben Jacobs corroborated Romano's reports, asserting that Onana had been informed to prepare for the impending transfer. Amid these developments, there's also a speculation of a potential backup goalkeeper hunt, with Zion Suzuki of Urawa Red Diamonds being linked. However, former Switzerland goalkeeper Jorg Stiel recommended Yann Sommer as an alternative option, especially considering Ten Hag's penchant for goalkeepers adept at playing the ball from the back.
While the final confirmation is still awaited, the general consensus in the football fraternity is that Onana's move to Manchester United is all but confirmed. If all goes as planned, the Cameroonian shot-stopper could potentially be part of United's pre-season tour in the United States, marking the beginning of a new era between the sticks at Old Trafford.
