Manchester United Set to Sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan
Manchester United are on the verge of completing the signing of goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan. The clubs are close to finalizing the transfer fee, and personal terms are expected to be agreed upon today. Onana is set to sign a five-year contract with United and will join the team on their pre-season tour in New York if he completes his medical in time.
Negotiations regarding Onana’s salary had a breakthrough on Saturday, and now that they are effectively complete, the price United will pay for him should be settled quickly. United initially made an opening offer worth up to €45m (£38.6m) for the 27-year-old, but Inter Milan has been holding out for closer to €60m. However, a compromise is expected to be reached soon, with United proposing €43m plus €5m in add-ons.
Onana has expressed his desire to move to Old Trafford, where he would reunite with his former manager Erik ten Hag, whom he worked with at Ajax. United intensified their pursuit of Onana following the departure of David de Gea after 12 years at the club. It was reported last month that De Gea had signed a contract extension with United, only for the club to back out of the agreed proposal.
The deal for Onana will pave the way for Nottingham Forest to make a bid for United’s goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Onana started his senior career at Ajax after coming through the Barcelona youth ranks. He impressed in the Eredivisie with his passing range and confidence with the ball at his feet. These skills were on display during Inter’s run to last season’s Champions League final, where they lost 1-0 against Manchester City.
Ten Hag is also looking to strengthen his attacking options this summer, with talks underway for a potential deal for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. However, United is hoping to offload several players to fund their recruitment drive. Fred, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Elanga, and Scott McTominay are among those whose exits could be sanctioned.
United will fly to America on Wednesday for their pre-season tour, which includes matches against Lyon, Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund.
Why Onana would be a perfect fit for Manchester United
Analysis by Matt Pyzdrowski
Onana is a player that Ten Hag knows well from their time together at Ajax. He was a regular under the Dutchman and is familiar with his approach to the game. The Cameroon international possesses an exceptional passing range and is confident with the ball at his feet. He also commands his box very well and is an outstanding shot-stopper.
These skills were evident during Inter’s journey to the recent Champions League final, where they faced Manchester City. Despite the 1-0 defeat, Onana showcased his ability as a world-class goalkeeper. It was Inter, not City, who caused the most problems through Onana’s bravery in building play from the back.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s imminent signing of Andre Onana from Inter Milan is set to bolster their goalkeeping options. Onana’s skills and familiarity with manager Erik ten Hag make him an ideal fit for the club. With negotiations nearing completion, United can focus on their pre-season preparations and potential player departures to fund further recruitment. The upcoming tour in America will provide an opportunity for Onana to integrate into the team and showcase his abilities on the pitch.