From Old Trafford to Arabia: Onana’s Next Move

André Onana’s rollercoaster ride at Manchester United could end with a £40m Saudi Pro League switch. As Ruben Amorim eyes new keepers, the Cameroonian’s future hangs in the balance—will United cut ties or keep their flawed star?

MANCHESTER UNITED NEWSMANCHESTER UNITED TRANSFER NEWS

3/26/20256 min read

André Onana
André Onana

André Onana’s Manchester United Journey: A Saudi Escape on the Horizon

As of March 26, 2025, André Onana’s tenure at Manchester United stands at a crossroads. Signed for £43.8 million from Inter Milan in 2023, the Cameroonian goalkeeper arrived with a reputation as a ball-playing maestro, poised to solve United’s goalkeeping woes. Yet, nearly two years later, his stint has been a tale of brilliance and blunders, with inconsistency casting a shadow over his Old Trafford legacy. Now, with the Saudi Pro League circling and manager Ruben Amorim open to offers, Onana’s future is up in the air. A potential £40 million move could reshape United’s squad and finances—but at what cost?

A High-Stakes Arrival

Onana’s transfer to Manchester United was a reunion with Erik ten Hag, his former Ajax boss who saw him as the final piece in a possession-based puzzle. At Inter, Onana had starred in a Champions League final run, blending shot-stopping with elite distribution—a stark contrast to David de Gea, whose declining agility and discomfort with the ball at his feet had become a liability. The £43.8 million fee reflected United’s belief that Onana, at 27, could anchor their goal for a decade.

The early signs were promising. His confidence in playing out from the back transformed United’s build-up play, offering a modern edge de Gea couldn’t match. But the honeymoon was short-lived. A string of errors—most notably in a 3-1 defeat to Brighton in September 2024—exposed a fragility that clashed with the hype. Fans who’d cheered his arrival began to wince at every shaky moment, and analysts questioned whether he could handle the Premier League’s relentless scrutiny.

The Rollercoaster of 2024/25

This season has been a microcosm of Onana’s United career: flashes of genius undercut by costly mistakes. In 40 appearances across all competitions, he’s kept nine clean sheets—a respectable tally but one dwarfed by the league’s best. His save percentage hovers around 70%, solid but unspectacular, while his errors leading to goals (five this term) rank among the highest for keepers in England’s top flight. A howler against Aston Villa in February 2025, where he misjudged a looping shot, reignited calls for change.

Yet, Onana’s highs remain undeniable. A penalty save in a Europa League thriller and a string of reflex stops against Tottenham showcased his raw talent. His distribution—completing 85% of passes, often under pressure—remains a weapon, aligning with Amorim’s tactical shift to a 3-4-2-1 system. The problem? For every moment of brilliance, there’s a lapse that keeps United on edge.

Saudi Pro League’s Golden Ticket

Enter the Saudi Pro League, a burgeoning force in global football with cash to burn. Reports suggest multiple clubs—flush with state-backed funds—are eyeing Onana as part of their latest recruitment drive. Alongside interest in Manchester City’s Ederson and Liverpool’s Alisson, Onana’s name has surfaced as a prime target. A £40 million bid, roughly matching United’s initial outlay, is said to be in play, with wages upwards of £250,000 per week—a bump from his current £190,000.

For Onana, the move offers a fresh start in a less intense spotlight, where his technical gifts might shine without the Premier League’s weekly pressure cooker. For United, it’s a chance to recoup their investment and shed a high earner, easing the strain of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). With Casemiro’s £350,000-weekly wages also on the chopping block, offloading Onana could unlock funds for Amorim’s first full summer rebuild.

Amorim’s Goalkeeping Reset

Ruben Amorim, who succeeded ten Hag in November 2024, inherited Onana mid-season and has yet to fully stamp his mark on the squad. His openness to selling the keeper signals a broader intent: United’s goalkeeping department needs a reboot. Amorim’s system demands a sweeper-keeper who can act as an 11th outfield player, and while Onana fits that mold technically, his inconsistency has eroded trust.

The Portuguese manager has already earmarked replacements. Lille’s Lucas Chevalier, a 23-year-old with a knack for commanding his box, and Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens, a 21-year-old rising star, are on the radar. Most intriguing is Japan’s Zion Suzuki, whose flawless World Cup qualifying displays—zero errors, clutch saves—have caught Amorim’s eye. These younger, cheaper options align with United’s shift toward sustainability under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS regime.

The Financial Equation

Selling Onana could be a masterstroke—or a misstep. His £43.8 million fee was amortised over a five-year deal, leaving a book value of roughly £26 million by summer 2025. A £40 million Saudi offer would net a modest profit, while axing his £10 million annual wages would boost United’s PSR headroom. That cash could fund a £20-30 million move for Suzuki or Chevalier, whose lower salaries (£50,000-£70,000 per week) would ease long-term costs.

But there’s a catch. United’s goalkeeping depth is thin. Altay Bayindir, Onana’s understudy, has played just three times this season, and his readiness to step up is untested. Signing a replacement would eat into the windfall, and any new keeper would need time to settle—time United, languishing in mid-table, may not have. Keeping Onana, flaws and all, might be the safer bet until a seamless transition is assured.

Onana’s Leverage and Mindset

Onana holds a strong hand. His contract runs until 2028, with an option for an extra year, giving him no rush to leave. Sources close to the keeper say he’s determined to fight for his place unless Amorim explicitly cuts him loose. At 28, he’s in his prime, and his pride—forged in Ajax’s youth system and Inter’s Champions League run—won’t let him slink away quietly. A move to Saudi Arabia might tempt with its riches, but Onana’s competitive streak could see him dig in at Old Trafford.

His season stats tell a tale of two keepers: a technical standout (top 10% for passes completed among European keepers) and a liability (top 5% for errors leading to goals). He’s aware of the criticism—publicly vowing to “prove the doubters wrong” after the Villa gaffe—but the Saudi interest might sway him if United signal the end.

The Bigger Picture at United

Onana’s saga reflects Manchester United’s broader crossroads. Years of lavish spending—£1.2 billion since 2014—have yielded a disjointed squad, with Amorim tasked to forge coherence. The Saudi option is a lifeline, but it’s also a gamble. Losing Onana without a ready replacement risks destabilizing a defense already reliant on young Leny Yoro and an aging Harry Maguire. Yet keeping him ties up funds and stalls the reset Amorim craves.

The club’s pursuit of youth—seen in links to Suzuki, Chevalier, and Lammens—mirrors a shift away from big-name, big-wage signings. Onana’s exit could accelerate that pivot, but only if the timing and successor align perfectly. For now, United are caught between pragmatism and ambition, with their keeper’s fate a litmus test for the INEOS era.

Conclusion: A Defining Summer Awaits

André Onana’s Manchester United chapter is nearing a critical juncture. The Saudi Pro League’s £40 million lifeline offers a way out of a turbulent spell, promising financial relief and a squad refresh for Ruben Amorim. Yet, it’s no simple fix—his departure hinges on his willingness to go, United’s ability to secure a replacement, and the balance of risk versus reward.

If Onana stays, he’ll need to silence his critics and prove his worth in Amorim’s system. If he leaves, United must nail the transition to avoid another goalkeeping headache. As summer 2025 looms, this decision will shape United’s trajectory—whether it’s a bold step toward renewal or a costly stumble in their rebuild. For Onana and Old Trafford, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the resolution promises to captivate football’s watchful eyes.

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