Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has reported he is open to sanctioning a loan move for Cameroon international André Onana.
Onana, who joined the Red Devils in a Ksh 7.1 billion deal from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023, has struggled to justify his hefty price tag and high wages, prompting the club to explore options to move him on temporarily.
Transfer Obstacles
According to sources close to the club, Onana’s Ksh18 million-a-week salary has proven a significant obstacle in securing a permanent transfer, with few clubs willing to match his wages.
Also Read: Etienne Ndayiragije: The Man Who Led Kenya Police FC to a Historic League Title
His performances have been mixed, with notable errors, including two costly mistakes in a Europa League match against Lyon in April 2025, leading to his temporary exclusion from the squad for a Premier League game against Newcastle.
Manager Ruben Amorim has publicly supported Onana but privately expressed doubts, and there have been discussions about replacing him due to inconsistent performances.
Onana’s book value is around Ksh4 billion due to the repayment of his five-year contract. Selling him below this amount would result in a financial loss for Manchester United, making a loan move a potential option to avoid this hit while addressing his form.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper has made 101 appearances for United, keeping 24 clean sheets but conceding 148 goals, a statistic that has raised questions about his consistency at Old Trafford.
Onana Replacement
Amorim, who took charge of Manchester United in November 2024, is keen to bring in a new No. 1 to solidify the team’s defensive foundations. The club has set its sights on Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez, the 32-year-old Argentina World Cup winner who has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers.
Martínez’s commanding presence and ability to perform under pressure make him an ideal candidate, though Villa are expected to demand a substantial fee for their star shot-stopper.
If a move for Martínez proves too costly, United have identified alternative targets. Botafogo’s John Victor, a 29-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper valued at around Ksh907 million, has caught the club’s attention following a string of impressive performances in Brazil’s Serie A.
Also Read: List of Players Who Have Played for Both Arsenal & Chelsea
Another option is Porto’s Diogo Costa, a 26-year-old Portugal international regarded as one of Europe’s brightest goalkeeping talents. Costa, however, comes with a hefty Ksh9.7 billion release clause, which could complicate negotiations.
What’s next for André Onana?
Interest in Onana has emerged from Ligue 1 side Monaco, who have inquired about his availability. However, the French club’s reluctance to cover his full salary could stall any potential deal.
United are firm in their stance that they would prefer to loan Onana to a European club rather than a Premier League rival, ensuring he does not strengthen a direct competitor.
Onana is determined to stay at Manchester United and fight for his place, with his contract running until 2028. He has rejected notions of leaving unless the club actively seeks to move him on.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
