Manchester United’s goalkeeper André Onana, once labeled a “flop” after his €50 million arrival, is apparently now on the market. A vice president from Turkish club Trabzonspor, a loose “Euro giant,” revealed United’s updated asking price: €45-50 million, or roughly £39-43.4 million. This puts a fascinating spin on United’s squad plans.
Onana’s journey at Old Trafford has been a rollercoaster. He joined in July 2023 on a five-year deal, and frankly, early errors in the Champions League were tough to watch.
Matches against Galatasaray and Bayern Munich stick out for the wrong reasons. But he’s settled down lately, playing a part in United sitting third in the Premier League, though they’re not in Europe this season.
Trabzonspor’s VP even called him “tremendous,” saying his mentality isn’t affected by criticism. Onana wants to stay in a major European league, for what it’s worth, according to The Peoples Person, citing Turkish journalist Kafkas.
United’s Shifting Stance and Transfer Market Plays
The club, under interim manager Michael Carrick, seems open to selling Onana. It’s all part of a bigger squad rebuilding effort for 2026. This isn’t a Bosman situation either; Onana’s contract runs until 2028, so United holds the cards here. Selling him now could fund other moves.
And funds are on United’s mind. They’re facing profitability rules. Sales, like Casemiro’s reported Bosman exit, help with that. Onana’s wages are a bit high compared to some of his peers, which doesn’t make keeping him simple when contract talks might come up. It’s a business, after all, and ESPN reported United even hiked ticket prices by 5% to help fund their “return to top” strategy.
Interest from Abroad and Rebuilding Targets
Trabzonspor is leading the charge for Onana, but Saudi Pro League clubs are watching too. The player’s preference for a top European league, maybe the Premier League or Serie A, could complicate things for the Turkish side. This asking price of €45-50 million puts him below the elite keepers, but above many mid-tier options.
United needs money for other areas. Carrick’s rebuild is targeting defensive and midfield reinforcements. Julian Ryerson from Dortmund, valued around €30 million, is one name floating around. He’s an attacking right-back with 11 assists in 21 games.
Khephren Thuram from Juventus, priced over €45 million, is another midfield target. These moves signal United’s intention to refresh the squad, and Onana’s sale would certainly help that budget, as Football Transfers noted.
Onana’s Fitness and Club Trajectory
Onana, for his part, is fully fit. No active injuries, no medical bulletins. He’s been training and playing regularly for Carrick. His consistency is important for United’s push for third place. The club’s injury list is lighter this season compared to previous ones, which helps a lot. And frankly, Carrick’s success as interim manager implies he trusts Onana between the sticks.
This whole situation positions Onana as a valuable asset for United. Despite that “flop” tag from early days, his recent form makes him an attractive option for clubs. And United isn’t just selling for the sake of it; this looks like a calculated move to free up funds and reshape the squad for a stronger future, aiming for a big title push by 2028.
