Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has dropped a significant hint about his future after lavishing praise on his loan spell at Turkish side Trabzonspor, describing it as 'the best period of my life'.
A New Lease of Life in Turkey
The 29-year-old Cameroonian international, who joined Trabzonspor on a season-long loan in September, has made no secret of his happiness in his new surroundings. Onana, who controversially missed out on Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations squad, used a string of superlatives to describe his situation, calling it 'perfect', 'amazing', and 'incredible'.
His move came shortly after United signed Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens for £21.7million, pushing Onana down the pecking order. The loan deal, which runs until the end of the season, saw the player double his salary just two years after his £47million transfer to Old Trafford.
Embracing the Passion and a Potential Cut-Price Exit
Onana has embraced the fervent support in Turkey, even recounting humorous fan interactions. 'Sometimes I'm driving and a car cuts in front of me. "Onana, stop, I want a photo." I think to myself, "Yes, but we can do this in another way,"' he said. 'But when they see me, they're happy, and so am I... They are my men, I love them, and I love this feeling.'
While there is no buy clause in the loan agreement, Onana's contract with Manchester United expires in June 2027. This situation means he could be available for a cut-price transfer in the summer if Trabzonspor or another club wishes to make his move permanent.
International Snub Amidst Club Success
Onana's positive club form contrasts with a major international setback. He was controversially left out of Cameroon's squad for the African Cup of Nations, despite being capped 53 times and playing the full 90 minutes in a crucial World Cup qualifier against DR Congo in November.
The squad announcement, which included Premier League players like Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and Brighton's Carlos Baleba, coincided with the Cameroon Football Federation sacking manager Marc Brys. Under new boss David Pagou, Cameroon have since won their AFCON opener 1-0 against Gabon.
For now, Onana remains focused on his club career in Turkey, where he has nailed down the starting spot with Trabzonspor sitting third in the Süper Lig, his glowing reviews suggesting a long-term future away from Manchester is increasingly likely.
