Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana has officially moved from Manchester United to Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor on a season-long loan deal for the 2025/26 campaign. This strategic move comes after a mixed spell at Old Trafford, where Onana struggled with consistency and ultimately lost his first-choice status.
Background and Transfer Details
Onana arrived at Manchester United in July 2023 from Inter Milan for a fee close to £47.2 million. Expected to replace long-time keeper David de Gea, Onana initially established himself as the club’s top goalkeeper. However, a series of costly mistakes and fluctuating form led to him being replaced this season by newcomer Senne Lammens and other goalkeepers.
The loan deal with Trabzonspor was confirmed just before the Turkish transfer window deadline. Trabzonspor will take Onana on a season-long loan without a loan fee, covering his full wages. There is no clause for a permanent transfer, so Onana is expected back at Manchester United in summer 2026.
Key Statistics and Career Summary
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Player | André Onana |
| Age | 29 |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Joined Manchester United | July 2023 |
| Transfer Fee | £47.2 million |
| Manchester United Appearances | 102 matches (all comps) |
| Major Trophy | FA Cup winner (2024) |
| Current Season Appearances | 1 (Carabao Cup) |
| New Club | Trabzonspor |
| Loan Duration | 1 season (2025/26) |
| Loan Fee | None |
| Wage Responsibility | Fully by Trabzonspor |
| Option to Buy | None |
Reasons for the Move
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Loss of Starting Spot: The arrival of Senne Lammens (€21m signing) pushed Onana down the pecking order.
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Playing Time: Onana sought regular minutes to regain form and confidence.
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Performance Issues: Inconsistent displays and key errors affected his standing at United.
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Strategic Choice: Manchester United aims to stabilize their goalkeeping options with younger keepers.
Manchester United Goalkeeper Situation 2025/26
| Goalkeeper | Role in Squad | Competition Status |
|---|---|---|
| Senne Lammens | New first-choice keeper | Premier League starter |
| Altay Bayindir | Backup and League starter | Premier League games |
| André Onana | Loaned out to Trabzonspor | Carabao Cup appearance only |
| Tom Heaton | Veteran backup | Experienced squad member |
What This Means for André Onana and Trabzonspor
The loan provides Onana an opportunity for a fresh start at a competitive Turkish league side where he can showcase his experience and skills. Trabzonspor gains a goalkeeper with notable Premier League and international experience to bolster their squad.
For Onana, this period is crucial to revive his career after a challenging time in England. If successful, he may return to Manchester United ready to compete again or attract interest from other top clubs.
Overall, the loan move represents a mutual benefit for player and clubs involved. Onana gets the chance for stability and playing time, while Manchester United streamlines their squad and focuses on emerging goalkeepers.