Andre Onana Set for Trabzonspor Loan Move as Manchester United Seek Goalkeeper Solutions

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has reached an agreement to join Turkish club Trabzonspor on loan, with the deal expected to finalize before the transfer window closes. The move comes amid internal squad restructuring and questions over his performance since joining the club.

By Chris Posiano

September 8, 2025 at 4:08 AM

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Manchester United's goalkeeper Andre Onana has reportedly agreed to a loan transfer to Turkish side Trabzonspor, with the deal poised to be finalized ahead of the club's upcoming clash against Fenerbahce on 14 September. The Turkish transfer window closes on Friday, providing sufficient time for the move to be completed, though the arrangement is still pending official confirmation. Onana, currently on international duty with Cameroon, had previously been linked with Galatasaray, who instead opted to sign Ugurcan Cakir from Trabzonspor in a deal potentially valued at 36 million euros (£31.2m).

Trabzonspor, having recently acquired Cakir, is now exploring alternatives to bolster their squad, with internal sources suggesting Onana could make a significant impact. The potential exit of Onana or fellow goalkeeper Altay Bayindir had been under consideration since Manchester United's acquisition of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on deadline day. Despite Old Trafford officials stating openness to maintaining a four-goalkeeper squad, manager Ruben Amorim's preference for a leaner team in the absence of European competition has complicated the situation.

Onana, signed from Inter Milan in 2023 for £47.2m, faced criticism for his inconsistent performances, including a costly error in Manchester United's EFL Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby. His initial role as the club's primary goalkeeper was overshadowed by a pre-season hamstring injury, which led to his exclusion from the first three Premier League matches. While he was later recalled for the Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, his struggles have sparked debates over the decision to replace David de Gea, a four-time club player of the year.

The loan move marks a pivotal moment for Onana, who has struggled to adapt since his high-profile arrival. With Tom Heaton remaining the fourth senior goalkeeper, the club's focus on squad efficiency under Amorim has intensified scrutiny on its goalkeeping options. As the transfer window approaches its deadline, the situation highlights ongoing challenges in balancing financial commitments with on-field performance.