Following an impressive stint at Inter Milan, Andre Onana is set to join Manchester United, further consolidating the team's dynamic squad and marking the latest addition to Cameroon's history of producing exceptional goalkeepers.
Onana, 27, has inked a €55 million deal with Manchester United, a development occurring after he successfully completed his medical examinations and necessary paperwork at Carrington on Wednesday. He is scheduled to meet his new squad in New York on Thursday. An official announcement from the club regarding Onana's arrival is anticipated in the coming 24 hours.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper distinguished himself during Inter Milan's recent Champions League final, even though the team conceded a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City. Despite the loss, Onana's world-class skills shone brightly, especially his exceptional passing range, command over his box, and unmatched shot-stopping ability. In a game where Manchester City was expected to dominate possession, it was Inter, backed by Onana's courage, that posed significant challenges.
Onana's signing not only adds a strong defensive line-up to Erik ten Hag's squad but also follows a long line of illustrious Cameroonian goalkeepers, reminiscent of the legendary Tommy "Cat" N'Kono and Joseph-Antoine "Jojo" Bell, who had intense rivalry over the Indomitable Lions' No 1 jersey. In a twist of fate, Onana lost his position in the national team during a World Cup due to disagreements with his coach, drawing parallels with a similar incident in 1990 involving N'Kono and Bell.
N'Kono's success during Italia '90 and the subsequent performance of other Cameroonian goalkeepers like Jacques Songo'o and Carlos Kameni in European leagues have established Cameroon as a nursery for world-class keepers. Onana grew up amidst this illustrious tradition and aspires to further this legacy at Manchester United.
In a wave of significant signings, Manchester United has also announced Jonny Evans's return for his second spell at the club. The three-time Premier League winner is a free agent and will join Onana in pre-season friendlies. Simultaneously, the club is shifting its attention to Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, with a proposed £60m bid on the horizon. These developments occur against the backdrop of a potential takeover bid for the club by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
It seems a promising season lies ahead for Manchester United, with new talents joining the ranks and the potential of a strategic change in club ownership on the cards.
