Manchester United are adding another ‘Ajax connection’ this summer, this time in the form of goalkeeper Andre Onana (27, Inter Milan).
European soccer transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano said on Sunday: “Onana is finally going to United. The two clubs are finalizing the deal and Onana will travel to Manchester to sign the contract and undergo a medical. United have begun requesting Onana’s visa for the US tour. Manager Eric ten Haag said: “We have the new goalkeeper we wanted. With his trademark “here we go” comment.
The transfer fee is expected to be in excess of 50 million euros ($71.4 billion). According to Sky Sport Italia, Inter demanded €60 million for Onana, while United offered a base fee of €50 million plus bonuses. ‘Sport Italia’ also reported that the two clubs had agreed on an initial transfer fee of €50 million and a €4 million bonus.토토사이트
Onana is now the fourth highest-paid goalkeeper in history. “Onana will be in the top five most expensive goalkeepers of all time,” Romano said. The first is Kepa Arrizabalaga (€80 million), the second is Alisson Becker (€62.5 million), the third is Gianluigi Buffon (€52.5 million), and now Onana.”
The contract is for 5+1 years. Romano added: “Onana will sign a five-year contract with United that will run until June 2028. There is an option for a further one-season extension. Sources felt it was ‘impossible for Onana to turn down the opportunity to join United’.”
Onana will replace David de Gea, who has parted ways with the club. De Gea spent 12 seasons at United, making 545 appearances in goal for the club, but left the club as a free agent this summer. “Now is the right time for me to start a new challenge and move on to a new environment,” he concluded.
Ten Haag has identified his ‘old student’ Onana as his next goalkeeper. Onana is an excellent defender and builder, and he has experience working with van Gaal at Ajax. Unlike De Gea, who had a weakness for passing, Onana could be a great addition to the style of soccer Ten Haag wants to play.
This gives van Gaal another pupil from his time at Ajax. He brought in Lisandro Martinez and Anthony upon his arrival at United last summer. Adding Onana to the mix further solidifies his Ajax connection.