Andre Onana could be eyeing a move to Saudi Arabia as he looks to escape his challenging spell at Manchester United, with a replacement already reportedly lined up.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper has had a tough two years at Old Trafford after joining for £47m from Inter Milan.
Onana has made a series of high-profile errors, including two in last week’s Europa League draw with French side Lyon.
This performance followed a public fallout with former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic, further fuelling speculation over Onana’s future.
United manager Ruben Amorim made the shock decision to drop Onana entirely from the squad for their weekend defeat to Newcastle, and now it seems an exit is a growing possibility for the goalkeeper.
According to The Sun, Saudi clubs have shown long-term interest in Onana, and that interest is expected to continue as the summer transfer window approaches.
Onana recently switched agents from Goal Management to LIAN Sports, and reports suggest he was uncomfortable with a significant wage cut following United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
It also appears that Manchester United are preparing for his departure, with rumours circulating of their interest in Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as a potential replacement.
However, there are several obstacles to a potential move. Onana is reportedly not keen on leaving Old Trafford just yet and is determined to turn things around.
He still has three years remaining on his contract and a £26.3m book value, according to The Athletic, meaning Manchester United would need to recoup more than that to avoid a loss – which would hurt the club’s PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Regulations) compliance.
A loan deal could be the most likely route out, but it remains to be seen if all parties involved would be open to that option.
For now, Onana is focused on reviving his career at Manchester United.
Amorim has confirmed that his omission against Newcastle was a temporary decision and that Onana will be given the chance to prove himself going forward.
“Of course, you have to see the context,” Amorim told Sky Sports.
“It is a normal thing. Sometimes, you have to push the player to play again, sometimes you have to let him disconnect a little bit.
“Tomorrow, he will be in training to prepare for the next one [Lyon] so I felt that it was a good time for Andre to disconnect.
“I think he was okay [about it] because I explained and then, you don’t need to like [it], but you understand because I explain every situation.
“It’s a normal situation,” he added. “You have to manage everything, sometimes people just look at the physical aspect but the mental aspect is really, really important.
“It’s for just one game and we give Altay an opportunity, he deserves it also and then, again, tomorrow is a new life and we will prepare for the next one.”
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