Manchester United are reportedly ready to part company with first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana in the upcoming summer transfer window. Speculation over the 28-year-old’s future has been rife following his inconsistent performances since his £43.8 million move from Inter Milan in 2023.
Since joining the Red Devils, Onana’s performances have been mixed. On the one hand, he has come up with some brilliant saves, but on the other, he has also made crucial errors that have drawn criticism. This raises the question of whether he is the right man to be Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper in the long term.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Manchester United are now ready to release Onana, with the possibility of a move to the Saudi Pro League looking increasingly likely. The decision comes after a series of underwhelming performances that have led the club to consider other options. It is not just his mistakes that are a cause for concern, but also his lack of consistency as one of the most expensive goalkeepers in the world.
If Onana does leave, Manchester United will need to find a suitable replacement quickly. According to TEAMtalk, manager Ruben Amorim has identified two talented young goalkeepers who could potentially fill the position.
One name that has emerged is Senne Lammens, a 22-year-old goalkeeper from Royal Antwerp. Lammens is regarded as one of the best young talents in Europe, with a market value estimated at around £30 million. His impressive performances have attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle and West Ham.
As well as Lammens, Manchester United are also targeting 23-year-old Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. The French club are reportedly prepared to let Chevalier go for around £40 million. Chevalier has been on Manchester United’s radar in recent months and his name is likely to continue to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.
However, Manchester United are not the only club interested in the two young goalkeepers. According to TEAMtalk, Manchester City are also keeping tabs on the situation. City manager Pep Guardiola is said to be keeping a close eye on the progress of Lammens and Chevalier, meaning United will face stiff competition to sign either of them.
The news of Onana’s departure may be bittersweet for some, especially given that the Cameroonian goalkeeper only spent one season at Manchester United. However, there is a growing understanding that his style of play, which relies on build-up play, is not the right one.
On the other hand, the pursuit of Lammens and Chevalier offers new hope for Manchester United’s defence. Both are talented youngsters who could provide the Red Devils with a long-term solution to their goalkeeping problems.
For Manchester United, the decision regarding their first-choice goalkeeper is crucial. The club need a goalkeeper who can provide stability and consistency at the back if they are to challenge for the title again.
While the loss of Onana could be seen as a setback, it could also be the start of a new era in goal for Manchester United. If they can land the right goalkeeper, the Red Devils could build a stronger foundation to compete at the highest level of European football.
