United confirm Onana loan exit to clear path for Carrick's goalkeeper rebuild

Manchester United have confirmed that Andre Onana will rejoin Trabzonspor on loan for the 2026-27 season, with the Turkish club paying a £1.3m fee and covering the goalkeeper’s full wages — costs elevated by United’s Champions League participation. The deal, announced on Friday, contains no option to buy.

Onana, 30, spent the 2025-26 season at Papara Park after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, making 40 appearances and helping Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup and finish third in the Super Lig. His return to Turkey on a second loan spell clears a significant line in United’s wage budget and removes the prospect of reintegrating him into Michael Carrick’s squad.

The departure opens the door for United to recruit a new goalkeeper. Carrick’s side have reportedly shortlisted Leeds’ Karl Darlow and Wolves’ Sam Johnstone as candidates for an experienced backup role behind first-choice Senne Lammens, the Belgian who impressed after joining from Royal Antwerp last summer.

Altay Bayindir, who served as Lammens’ understudy last season, is also expected to leave. The Turkey international has reportedly agreed personal terms with Besiktas — a club that had been linked with him as far back as January — and has managed only 17 appearances across three seasons at Old Trafford.

Should both Onana and Bayindir depart, Carrick will effectively be rebuilding the entire goalkeeping department around Lammens, with United seeking one established deputy to complete the unit.

Onana, speaking to Turkish outlet Yeniasir in December, made clear how much his time in Turkey had revived him. “I’m very happy, trust me. I’m living the best period of my life,” he said. “The time I’ve spent here has been perfect for me. It’s a different lifestyle, but it’s great. Truly incredible, amazing.”

United are yet to complete a signing since the summer window opened, making Onana’s confirmed exit one of the more concrete pieces of transfer business to emerge from Old Trafford so far this window.