Divisive Manchester United star closing in on move to Turkey

The Cameroon international will join on a season-long loan with no buy option or loan fee. United will offload his wages for the duration of the deal, while Onana is handed the chance to reset his career after a difficult time at Old Trafford.

Signed from Inter Milan for £47.2M ($63.5M) in the summer of 2023 as David de Gea’s successor, Onana has endured a troubling few years. High-profile errors in both the Premier League and Champions League left him under scrutiny, and his erratic performances quickly made him one of the squad’s most divisive figures.

His position weakened further this summer. Altay Bayindir has been preferred as United’s first-choice goalkeeper, while Belgian prospect Senne Lammens arrived from Royal Antwerp on deadline day. 

Onana’s situation worsened after featuring in United’s shock EFL Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town, where he was at fault for both goals and failed to make an impact in the decisive penalty shootout. That defeat effectively left Onana rooted as United’s third-choice goalkeeper, with regular minutes unlikely. The switch to Trabzonspor offers a lifeline. 

For the Turkish side, landing a high-profile international is a significant coup as it pushes for the Super Lig title. For Onana, it represents an opportunity to rebuild form and confidence in a less pressurized environment.

For United, the move eases the wage bill and clarifies the goalkeeping hierarchy. It also signals the club’s willingness to cut ties, at least temporarily, with a player once earmarked as its long-term No. 1.

If completed before Turkey’s Sept. 12 transfer deadline, Onana will swap Old Trafford for Senol Gunes Stadium in search of a badly needed fresh start.