Manchester United Agree Loan Deal for Andre Onana to Trabzonspor: Goalkeeper’s Future Hangs in Balance
Trending: Goalkeeper Shuffle in Premier League Transfer Windows
As the 2025-26 Premier League season unfolds with Manchester United enduring a rocky start under manager Ruben Amorim, the club has agreed to a surprise season-long loan deal for goalkeeper Andre Onana to Turkish side Trabzonspor. The 29-year-old Cameroonian international, who joined United from Inter Milan in a £47.2 million deal in 2023, now faces a pivotal decision that could redefine his career at Old Trafford. With Turkey’s transfer window open until September 12, 2025, the move signals United’s willingness to offload the underperforming shot-stopper amid squad reshaping efforts, sparking debates on Amorim’s vision for the Red Devils’ goalkeeping department.
Details of the Loan Agreement
Manchester United and Trabzonspor have reached a verbal club-to-club agreement for Onana’s loan until the end of the season, with no fee or option to buy involved. The deal’s completion hinges on Onana’s personal approval, as the player—currently on international duty with Cameroon—is reportedly open to the switch but reviewing contract terms. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X: “Trabzonspor reach verbal agreement with Manchester United to sign André Onana on loan. Club to club verbal agreement in place and final decision now up to Onana.”
Onana, sidelined by a hamstring injury that forced him to miss pre-season, has featured only once this term: a disastrous Carabao Cup second-round exit to League Two side Grimsby Town on penalties, where he was at fault for both goals in a 2-2 draw. Altay Bayindir has claimed the No. 1 spot in United’s three Premier League matches so far, conceding four goals, while the recent £18 million signing of 23-year-old Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on deadline day has intensified competition. United’s openness to the move stems from Amorim’s preference for a leaner squad without European commitments, despite initially planning to retain four senior keepers.
Trabzonspor, fresh from selling their star keeper Ugurcan Cakiroglu to Galatasaray for up to €36 million, see Onana as an immediate upgrade to bolster their Super Lig title challenge. Club sources believe the former Ajax and Inter star could debut against Fenerbahce on September 14 if the deal finalizes swiftly.
Onana’s Struggles at United: From Promise to Peril
Signed to replace David de Gea as Erik ten Hag’s trusted lieutenant from their Ajax days, Onana’s United tenure has been marred by inconsistency and high-profile errors. In his debut 2023-24 season, he made 51 appearances, keeping 13 clean sheets and starting the FA Cup final win over Manchester City, but blunders in Champions League ties against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray drew heavy criticism. Former United midfielder Nemanja Matic labeled him “one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history” in April 2025, while ex-keeper Ben Foster noted his error-prone nature despite strong shot-stopping.
This season’s bench role, compounded by the Lammens arrival, has left Onana disillusioned. Despite a three-year contract remaining until 2028, he reportedly sought assurances post-Fulham draw but was told he remains in Amorim’s plans—yet the Trabzonspor talks suggest otherwise. Onana’s camp had explored Saudi Pro League options earlier, with Neom SC interested, but the Turkish move aligns with his desire for regular football ahead of Cameroon’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Amorim, speaking after the Arsenal loss, defended his choices: “We’re building a squad for the long term. Competition in goal is healthy, and decisions are tactical.” If Onana departs, Lammens could slot in as No. 1, with Bayindir and Tom Heaton as backups.
Background: United’s Goalkeeping Overhaul Under Amorim
Ruben Amorim’s arrival in November 2024 marked a tactical shift, emphasizing a compact defense and proactive distribution—areas where Onana’s ball-playing skills were meant to shine but often faltered. The club’s summer saw outgoing stars like Rasmus Hojlund (to Napoli), Antony (to Real Betis), and Jadon Sancho (to Aston Villa), alongside the ‘Bomb Squad’ clear-out, but the goalkeeping department remained fluid.
United’s poor form—winless in three league games—has amplified scrutiny on Amorim, who prioritizes a smaller squad sans Europa League duties. The Lammens signing, initially for depth during Onana’s Africa Cup of Nations absence, now positions the Belgian as a potential starter. Earlier links to Emiliano Martinez were abandoned, but Monaco’s £30 million interest in Onana was rebuffed.
This deal fits United’s financial strategy under INEOS, adhering to Premier League profit rules while recouping value from Onana’s £200,000 weekly wages during the loan.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
Onana’s exit could stabilize United’s goalkeeping hierarchy, allowing Lammens to integrate quickly and Bayindir to fight for minutes, but it risks disrupting squad morale amid a winless start. For Trabzonspor, acquiring a Premier League-proven keeper like Onana could elevate their European ambitions, especially post-Cakiroglu.
The player must decide by September 12, with United urging a swift resolution to clarify their lineup for the upcoming fixtures. If he stays, a January sale remains possible; if not, it opens doors for further tweaks. Fans and pundits await Onana’s verdict, with Sky Sports’ Keith Downie noting: “This could be the end of Onana’s United chapter—Amorim’s building his own team.”
Conclusion: A Fork in the Road for Onana and United
Manchester United’s agreement to loan Andre Onana to Trabzonspor represents a bold pivot in Amorim’s regime, potentially ending the Cameroonian’s turbulent Old Trafford stint after just two seasons. With his decision pending, the move underscores the relentless churn of elite football. The takeaway for United supporters: squad evolution demands tough calls—whether Onana departs or fights on, clarity will sharpen focus as the Red Devils chase redemption in a challenging campaign.