Ten Hag in dreamland with world class star heading to Man Utd ‘next week’; transfer fee set
A Man Utd move for a dominant world-beater is ‘now written’, with a a deal poised to go through ‘next week’ and the final fee set, per a report.
The Red Devils are seeking additions at goalkeeper, centre-back, central midfield and striker this summer. Regarding the first on that list, plans to sign a high class back-up to David de Gea have now changed.
Indeed, the initial idea was to sign a capable deputy who would both serve as De Gea’s No 2 and long-term successor.
However, De Gea and Man Utd have thus far been unable to find common ground over a new contract. The 32-year-old Spaniard is tracking towards becoming a free agent when his current deal expires on June 30.
Erik ten Hag has always favoured a goalkeeper who is willing to adopt a high starting position to allow his defensive line to push further up field.
The Dutchman also wants a keeper who is comfortable in possession and that is not a trait De Gea can claim to hold in his locker.
With De Gea edging closer to leaving and Dean Henderson in talks over joining Nottingham Forest outright, a new No 1 will soon be required.
To that end, Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport bring news of Man Utd ramping up a move for Inter Milan phenom, Andre Onana.
The 27-year-old is coming off the back of a truly superb campaign in which he led all Champions League keepers in the clean sheets category (eight) . His mark of 6.8 also saw him top the goals prevented category ahead of Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois (5.9).
Onana was a free agent signing from Ajax last summer and given Inter’s financial difficulties, a high profile sale or two are on the agenda this summer.
Given Onana arrived for nothing, any fee received will represent pure profit on their balance sheet.
Man Utd officials are understood to have held a meeting with Onana’s agent. The Evening Standard then delivered a triple boost to United’s hopes when claiming Onana is keen on moving to England, Inter won’t stand in his way and Chelsea have pulled out of the race.
Now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Onana’s proposed move to Man Utd will take place ‘next week’.
Via FCInterNews, it’s stated the deal is ‘now written’ and the transfer fee is set at €50m (approx. £43m).
That is the figure Gianluca Di Marzio claimed Inter would command for their world class keeper. According to Gazzetta, Man Utd are ‘willing to pay Inter’ what they want.
Onana is thus ‘destined to leave Inter after just one season’, with the Serie A giant turning to one of Juan Musso (Atalanta), Yann Sommer (Bayern Munich) or Giorgio Mamardashvili (Valencia) as his replacement.
Onana is a known commodity to Ten Hag through their shared time at Ajax between 2017-22.
