In a significant move, Manchester United has confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan for a fee of £43.8m, potentially rising to £47.2m with add-ons. The 27-year-old Cameroon international has inked a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option of a further year.
Onana's arrival at Manchester United marks the end of David De Gea's 12-year tenure as the club's first-choice goalkeeper. The move reunites Onana with United boss Erik ten Hag, under whom he won three league titles and two KNVB Cups at Ajax, and reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
Onana, who has kept 104 clean sheets in 255 appearances throughout his club career, joined Inter Milan in 2022 and won the Coppa Italia during his time at the San Siro. His transfer to Manchester United comes after a successful season with Inter, where he helped the team reach the Champions League final.
Onana: “To join Manchester United is an incredible honour — and I have worked hard all my life to get to this moment”. #MUFC
“Walking out at Old Trafford to defend our goal and contribute to the team will be another amazing experience”. pic.twitter.com/2gMj1rkIyV — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2023
In a statement, Onana expressed his excitement about joining Manchester United, stating, "To join Manchester United is an incredible honour and I have worked hard all my life to get to this moment, overcoming many obstacles along the way." He added, "Walking out at Old Trafford to defend our goal and contribute to the team will be another amazing experience. This is the start of a new journey for me, with new teammates, and new ambitions to fight for."
Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol commented on the transfer, stating, "Erik ten Hag has got the goalkeeper he wants for next season. You have to say it's an incredible deal for Inter Milan, because they signed Onana last summer on a free transfer and are now selling him for up to almost £48m."
Onana's transfer to Manchester United has been met with anticipation and excitement, with fans and pundits alike eager to see how he will perform in the Premier League. His ability to play out from the back, comfort on the ball, and willingness to take risks are seen as key attributes that will fit well with ten Hag's style of play.
Onana's arrival at Manchester United is expected to unlock the team's build-up play, a key aspect of ten Hag's strategy. His confidence and ability to play short passes more often are seen as crucial to the team's aim of controlling games.
The official announcement of the deal is expected soon, with Onana having already confirmed his switch to Manchester in an emotional Instagram message targeted at Inter supporters. He expressed gratitude to the Interisti and acknowledged the special nature of the club and the city. He also hinted at the possibility of a future return, stating, "Maybe one day our paths will cross again, but now it's time to face new challenges and cheer you on from afar."
