Andre Onana completes loan move to Trabzonspor | OneFootball

Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana (29) has joined Turkish club Trabzonspor on a season-long loan, bringing a temporary end to a turbulent spell at Old Trafford. The deal, confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, does not include a fee or an option to buy, but it is thought that Trabzonspor will cover the entirety of his wages.

Onana, signed from Inter Milan in July 2023 for an initial £43.8m, had been United’s undisputed No.1 for much of the past two seasons, making 102 appearances and keeping 24 clean sheets. But injuries, loss of form, and the emergence of Altay Bayındır saw him lose his starting role at the back end of last season, with new signing Senne Lammens further crowding United’s goalkeeping department.

Onana’s fall from favour at Old Trafford

Onana’s omission from key matches in April, including a Europa League tie against Lyon and a Premier League clash with Newcastle, hinted at a waning trust from head coach Ruben Amorim. His hamstring setback in pre-season compounded matters, raising doubts among staff about his conditioning.

United’s decision to recruit Lammens on deadline day underscored the shift in direction. Though the club initially insisted Onana remained part of Amorim’s plans, discussions with his representatives opened the door for a move abroad. Trabzonspor, who had been monitoring the situation, moved quickly to secure a loan agreement.

While Monaco expressed tentative interest earlier in the summer, their reluctance to meet United’s £30m valuation left Onana short of alternatives until the Turkish side intervened.

United, now carrying Bayındır, Lammens, and veteran Tom Heaton as goalkeeping options, appear content to part ways with Onana for the season, though his contract runs until 2028.

The 29-year-old is expected to make his debut against Fenerbahçe on September 14.

GFN | Finn Entwistle