Manchester United have been handed a significant transfer boost as Trabzonspor's president has confirmed the club's desire to sign Andre Onana on a permanent basis this summer. The goalkeeper has spent the current season on loan in Turkey with the Super Lig side after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.
Onana's loan spell at Trabzonspor
Onana had prepared for the 2025-26 campaign expecting to remain at United, but a hamstring injury ruled him out of the opening fixture. Upon returning to full fitness, he was subsequently dropped by manager Ruben Amorim. Senne Lammens was brought in on deadline day, with Onana heading out on loan. Trabzonspor agreed to cover the 30-year-old's wages in full, meaning Onana actually received a pay rise due to Turkey's favourable 20 per cent tax rate for Super Lig players.
Onana has featured in every league match for Trabzonspor this season, playing a pivotal role in their push for the Turkish title. His performances have drawn glowing praise from the local press. The Cameroon international earned further acclaim this week after saving three penalties during a shootout in the Turkish Cup quarter-finals.
President confirms interest
Following that match, Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan was quizzed about Onana's future and made clear his desire to keep him. Speaking to NTV Spor, he said: "Onana's career is already established. We like him. I've said this before. He has a certain plan for his career. If the conditions are right, we want him to stay. The final decision will be Onana's."
Trabzonspor could offer Onana reduced wages this summer while still matching what he earned at United, thanks to Turkey's favourable tax regulations for professional players in the top flight. United will look to sell Onana on a permanent basis and recover as much as possible of the £47.2 million they spent to sign the goalkeeper from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023.
United's goalkeeping situation
Lammens has cemented himself as first choice during his debut campaign at United. Altay Bayindir has filled the number two role, but the 28-year-old could seek pastures new this summer in pursuit of regular first-team football as a number one goalkeeper. Radek Vitek is an option to step in as United's second-choice stopper, but the gifted Czech goalkeeper is keen to play regularly following a successful loan spell with Bristol City in the Championship. Onana's contract at United is due to run until the summer of 2028.
