
Andre Onana
André Onana, the Cameroonian goalkeeper signed by Manchester United in 2023 for around £47 million, is currently contracted until 2028 with an average annual salary of approximately $6.24 million (about £200,000 per week)1. Despite his high-profile arrival and significant investment by the club, Onana’s tenure at Old Trafford has been marked by inconsistent performances, costly errors, and growing uncertainty about his future at the club.
Onana’s Performance and Challenges at Manchester United
Since joining Manchester United from Inter Milan, Onana has been under intense scrutiny. His performances have been mixed, with some crucial saves but also a troubling number of mistakes leading directly to goals. According to statistics, Onana has made the second-highest number of errors leading to goals in the Premier League since the start of the 2023/24 season, with eight such errors, only behind Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen4. This defensive vulnerability has contributed to Manchester United’s struggles and has led to questions about whether he is the right long-term goalkeeper for the club.
Manager Ruben Amorim reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Onana’s form, even opting not to start him in some important matches, such as the Europa League final2. This has fueled speculation that Manchester United is actively seeking a replacement goalkeeper and is open to transferring Onana.
Transfer Speculations and Financial Complications
Manchester United has reportedly offered Onana to clubs in the Saudi Pro League, with Neom SC among the interested parties2. However, Onana’s substantial wages and contract length until 2028 complicate potential moves. He earns about £200,000 per week and is expected to seek a lucrative package if he moves to Saudi Arabia, making negotiations difficult.
Additionally, the club faces financial pressures due to the amortization of Onana’s £43.8 million transfer fee over his five-year contract, leaving a book value of approximately £26.3 million3. To comply with profit and sustainability regulations, Manchester United aims to secure a transfer fee above this valuation, which further narrows the pool of potential buyers.
Monaco has also shown interest in signing Onana, exploring a possible deal as the French club looks to strengthen their squad4. However, no concrete agreement has been reached, and Onana’s future remains uncertain.
Why Onana Might Stay at Manchester United
Despite the club’s efforts to offload him, Onana may remain at Manchester United for the following reasons:
- Contractual and Financial Constraints: His high wages and contract length make it difficult for interested clubs to meet Manchester United’s financial demands.
- Lack of Suitable Offers: No club has yet offered a transfer fee and salary package that satisfies both Onana and Manchester United.
- Potential for Redemption: Onana has shown glimpses of quality, and a change in management or tactical setup could help him regain form.
- Loan Options: Some insiders believe a loan move might be the most feasible solution if a permanent transfer does not materialize3.
Implications for Manchester United Next Season
If Onana stays, Manchester United faces the challenge of managing a goalkeeper whose confidence and form have been questioned, which could contribute to further defensive lapses and losses next season. The club’s goalkeeping situation remains a priority, with alternatives like Senne Lammens and Emiliano Martinez linked as potential replacements27.
The pressure on the defense and goalkeeper will be significant, especially as Manchester United aims to improve on their recent lowest-ever Premier League finish and rebuild under Ruben Amorim. Defensive solidity is crucial to reducing losses and competing effectively in domestic and European competitions.