Turkish giants Trabzonspor have reportedly decided to pursue a permanent transfer for Andre Onana, following the Cameroonian goalkeeper’s strong start to life in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Onana, who joined Trabzonspor on a season-long loan from Manchester United during the summer transfer window, appears to have rediscovered the form that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after goalkeepers. After just four matches, his performances have reportedly convinced Trabzonspor’s hierarchy to begin discussions about signing him permanently once the loan expires.
The 29-year-old’s move to Turkey came after a difficult two-year spell at Old Trafford, where he struggled to live up to expectations following a £47.2 million transfer from Inter Milan in 2023. Despite arriving as a marquee signing intended to replace David de Gea, Onana endured a turbulent time in England — marked by high-profile errors, intense scrutiny, and eventually, the loss of his starting spot.
At the beginning of the 2025/26 season, new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim made it clear that Onana was not part of his long-term plans, opting instead to hand the No. 1 role to Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. The club’s decision to further strengthen by signing Belgian shot-stopper Senne Lammens all but confirmed that Onana’s time in Manchester had come to an end.
Determined to revive his career, Onana accepted a loan move to Trabzonspor, where he has immediately made a positive impact. In his first four games for the club, he has shown composure, leadership, and technical quality reminiscent of his best days at Inter Milan. His distribution and quick reflexes have been instrumental in Trabzonspor’s recent performances — including a standout moment where he assisted striker Paul Onuachu for a goal in their 1–1 draw against Gaziantep.
Club sources in Turkey have reportedly confirmed that Trabzonspor’s management and coaching team are “extremely satisfied” with his contribution so far and view him as a long-term solution between the posts. While the current deal does not include a purchase option or buy clause, the club is now expected to open talks with Manchester United about a permanent transfer.
Manchester United, for their part, are said to be open to selling Onana permanently, though they are likely to demand a significant transfer fee to recoup part of their original investment. The final price tag remains uncertain, but United are expected to seek a figure that reflects his market value and international pedigree.
If the transfer goes through, Onana would become one of the most high-profile players to move permanently to Turkey in recent seasons. Turkish football has seen a rise in ambitious signings lately, highlighted by Victor Osimhen’s record-breaking €75 million move to Galatasaray during the summer, followed by Wilfred Singo’s €30.8 million switch — both deals underscoring the league’s growing financial muscle and global visibility.
For Onana, the potential move represents a new chapter and a fresh start. After a rocky period in England that tested his confidence, he now appears rejuvenated in Trabzon, earning praise for his professionalism and focus.
If Trabzonspor succeed in securing his permanent signature, it would not only mark a major coup for the club but also provide Onana with the stability he has been seeking since his departure from Inter Milan.
With several months left in the season, all eyes will now be on how he sustains this early momentum — and whether Manchester United and Trabzonspor can strike a deal that allows the Cameroonian goalkeeper to make Turkey his new footballing home.
