Man United Given Saudi Lifeline As They Ponder Sale Of £47m Player | OneFootball

Onana Future in Doubt as Saudi Interest Grows

Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation has taken another twist, with reports from TeamTalk suggesting Andre Onana has been told he can leave the club. The Cameroonian arrived from Inter Milan in 2023 for £47 million but has struggled to hit the levels expected of a long-term No.1 at Old Trafford.

Saudi Pro League lifeline

According to the report, the Saudi Pro League has emerged as a serious option for the 29-year-old. Discussions between the player’s camp and clubs in the Middle East are described as genuine, with “the single factor that could convince the goalkeeper to make the move now coming to light.”

Financial security is said to be the key issue. Following United’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, Onana’s wages were cut by 25 per cent, a contractual clause linked to European competition. With his income already reduced and his future under scrutiny, the Saudi Pro League offers the potential for a lucrative new chapter.

Amorim’s new direction

United head coach Ruben Amorim has been decisive. As TeamTalk confirm, “Amorim has informed the goalkeeper that the club is heading in a different direction, giving him the green light to explore opportunities elsewhere.” That clarity comes as Amorim pursues a goalkeeper more suited to his philosophy, with young Belgian Senne Lammens already recruited to provide competition.

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Despite Onana’s well-documented ability with the ball at his feet, mistakes in key moments have undermined his reputation. Supporters have witnessed a mix of brilliance and costly errors, leaving doubts about his reliability in the Premier League.

Transfer window uncertainty

While no deal is yet complete, talks are progressing and United are said to be open to approaches from outside Saudi Arabia as well. For Onana, the coming months will be decisive. The choice between remaining at Old Trafford in a reduced role or embarking on a new adventure abroad could shape the rest of his career.

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From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this report will stir mixed feelings. Onana came in as a modern goalkeeper, someone meant to transform how the team built from the back. His ability to play with his feet was seen as an upgrade, yet the reality has been less convincing. The errors in big games, especially in Europe, linger in supporters’ minds.

Hearing that Ruben Amorim has already identified a replacement in Senne Lammens will spark debate. Some fans will see it as a ruthless but necessary step if United are to rebuild.

The Saudi Pro League angle makes sense financially. If the club can recoup a reasonable fee and reinvest in areas of the squad that require urgent attention probably in January, such as midfield and full-back, then many supporters would welcome the move.

Ultimately, the fanbase wants stability and clarity. If Amorim has decided Onana is not the man to lead from the back, then securing a strong replacement is crucial. The club cannot afford another season of uncertainty between the posts.