Trabzonspor president expects Onana agreement with Manchester United 'in coming days'

Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan has said he expects to resolve the club’s pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana within days, with the Turkish side keen to retain the Cameroonian after a successful loan spell. United, however, are pushing for a permanent sale of around £20 million to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Onana started every league game for Trabzonspor this season, helping them finish third in the Turkish Süper Lig and earning widespread praise from the local press. Speaking to HT Spor, Doğan confirmed the two parties speak almost daily. “We speak with Andre Onana almost every day. He loves it here. We want him to stay, but of course everyone has their own life and plans. We have to respect that,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll have any problems in the coming days. But if we do, the management will do what’s necessary. We’ll find another goalkeeper of the same quality.”

The sticking point is the structure of any deal. Reports from Turkey indicate Trabzonspor would prefer a second loan, while United’s position is that a permanent transfer is the only acceptable outcome. Selling Onana for approximately £20 million is seen as necessary for the club to avoid a loss on the books under PSR regulations.

A permanent move to Trabzonspor could still appeal to Onana financially. During his loan, the Turkish club covered his wages in full, and Turkey’s 20 per cent tax rate for Süper Lig players effectively gave him a pay rise compared to his net earnings in England. Even if Trabzonspor offered a lower gross salary in a permanent deal, Onana could still take home more than his United contract provides.

Onana’s exit from Old Trafford was effectively sealed at the start of the season when manager Ruben Amorim dropped him in favour of Altay Bayindir. Senne Lammens subsequently claimed the No.1 shirt following his debut in October, with Bayindir settling into a backup role. Bayindir himself is now expected to leave United this summer in search of regular first-team football.

Radek Vitek has been identified as a potential replacement for Bayindir as second-choice goalkeeper, though the Czech stopper is also seeking consistent playing time after a productive loan at Bristol City in the Championship.

Onana still has three years remaining on his United contract, which runs until the summer of 2028, giving the club some leverage in negotiations but also adding urgency to resolve his future before pre-season begins.