Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed Manchester United are also pushing for a second signing alongside Andre Onana, with Erik ten Hag busy improving his squad for the 2023/24 season.
Man Utd will have a new goalkeeper next season after David de Gea confirmed his departure from the club. The Red Devils had offered De Gea a new contract – which included a significant reduction in his £375,000-a-week salary – but later pulled out of talks. The Spaniard is now a free agent after 12 years at Old Trafford.
Inter goalkeeper Onana will most likely be De Gea’s replacement in goal. The 27-year-old is not only an excellent goalkeeper, he can also play from behind as Ten Hag would like.
Man Utd are in advanced talks with Inter to add Onana to their squad. Man Utd launched the bid with €40m (£34.3m) but that offer was rejected by Inter.
Ten Hag’s side have to offer 55m euros (£47.2m) to reach an agreement with Inter.
Romano explained on Twitter that Man Utd are also looking to sign goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, 20, from Japanese club Urawa Reds.
Man Utd are ‘working’ on the deal and have opened talks with Suzuki to agree personal conditions. The Japanese U21 starlet is one of three backup goalkeeper options on Ten Hag’s list, though Romano did not name the other two players.
The reporter also provided some insight into when Man Utd could bring Suzuki to England. He says they are currently focusing on Onana and will complete that move before starting negotiations with Suzuki’s current squad.
The Man Utd deal is not as advanced as previously thought
As such, it could take a few weeks for Man Utd to forge a deal for Suzuki. Reports have previously suggested Suzuki’s move to Man Utd is “imminent”. However, it appears that those claims were not the correct ones.
Ten Hag makes fine succession plan for Man Utd goalkeeper position. Given that Onana is 27, he could be Man Utd’s number one for at least four or five years.
This gives Suzuki time to develop, possibly through loans, before challenging Onana for a starting role. Man Utd already have Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton in their books. But Henderson is hoping to sign permanently for Nottingham Forest, while 37-year-old Heaton could retire soon.
Meanwhile, according to reports, Barcelona could sack Man Utd for a talented young player and also sign a stylish star from Liverpool.
