André Onana’s move to Trabzonspor is expected to be completed this week after the Manchester United goalkeeper agreed to a season’s loan to the Turkish club, with a medical due to take place on Thursday before the move is confirmed.
Onana had believed he would stay at United but after Senne Lammens was signed from Royal Antwerp on the Premier League’s transfer deadline day this gave Ruben Amorim a fourth keeper, with Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton also at the club.
It is understood Onana will earn more money at Trabzonspor, with the 29-year-old in line to receive a signing-on fee and to benefit from a flat 20% tax rate for the Super Lig.
The player, who has charity commitments, particularly via his André Onana Foundation, is keen to maximise his earnings. With United again not in the Champions League, squad members will not receive the 25% salary increase that comes with participation in that competition.
Onana had been told in the summer that he would stay at United. His deal, worth about £100,000 a week, expires in June 2027 and in discussions regarding potential new terms it was indicated a fresh contract may not be forthcoming.
Club sources said after Lammens signed that they were at ease regarding having four goalkeepers and pointed to the expectation that Onana will be part of Cameroon’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations and so unavailable for up to six weeks. The tournament starts on 21 December.
Trabzonspor’s interest prompted a change in Onana’s stance and Turkey’s transfer window closes on Friday. Onana has lost his place to Bayindir this season and started only United’s Carabao Cup 12-11 penalty shootout loss at Grimsby, in which he was culpable for both goals in the 2-2 draw.
