Blockbuster Man Utd transfer ‘unlocked’ as impending £42m deal leaves selling manager raging
Lautaro Martinez, Simone Inzaghi, Andre Onana of Inter Milan after the Champions League final
Manchester United are seemingly moving towards the signing of Andre Onana from Inter Milan in a deal worth an initial £42m – but not everyone is jumping for joy at the prospect of the transfer.
United manager Erik ten Hag is looking to take his rebuilding of the Red Devils to the next level after a progressive first season in charge. Under his control, United won the Carabao Cup, were runners up in the FA Cup and, crucially, also came third in the Premier League.
Now the challenge is on to ensure they make more progress and close the gap further on Manchester City.
In order to do so, the United manager would like at least three marquee signings. Indeed, he’s reportedly chasing a deal for Mason Mount, though problems with that deal have seen them turn attention towards Moises Caicedo.
Ten Hag also wants a new striker, with a number of irons in the fire. The likes of Harry Kane, Randal Kolo Muani and Rasmus Hojlund are among those under consideration.
Before that, however, Ten Hag could find himself landing a new goalkeeper. And reports on Wednesday claimed a bumper deal to recruit Onana from Inter Milan was done, with talks held on the party island of Ibiza clearing the path for United to swoop.
United will reportedly pay an initial €50m (£42m) for the Cameroon keeper. That deal will likely comprise of bonuses and add-ons withbthe final bill for the Red Devils likely to top £50m. That will ensure the fee paid for the 27-year-old is the third biggest for a goalkeeper in the history of the game.
Inter boss Inzaghi unhappy over Onana sale to Man Utd
Onana will be reunited with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, having previously played under him at Ajax. Regarded as one of the best modern keepers in the world game, Onana will prove a key addition to the United side. Furthermore, he will implement the playing from the back strategy that the Dutchman is keen to bring to the club.
That was, arguably, the major downfall of long-serving No 1 David De Gea. His deal at United expires on Saturday and a decision on his future remains undecided. United have offered him a new deal, but on significantly-reduced terms.
And while he is yet to put pen to paper, the likelihood is that he will leave the club, rather than hang around to play No 2.
Onana’s arrival, though, will give United an added dimension. He helped Inter reach the Champions League final, only for City to beat them narrowly 1-0.
However, the manager of the club he’s leaving behind, Simone Inzaghi, is reportedly raging at his goalkeeper’s impending sale. Per Gazzetta dello Sport, Inzaghi has made his feelings clear to the Inter board that he is ‘not happy’ at Onana’s sale.
The 47-year-old coach feels the exit of one of his key men seriously weakens Inter’s squad. And while he understands Inter’s financial needs, it seems he had other players in mind he wanted to sacrifice first.
Inzaghi unhappy at Inter transfer business
However, his intervention comes too late to block the deal with United unlocking his signing from Inter. In return, the Nerazzurri will use funds generated from the sale to complete the return of Romelu Lukaku.
Furthermore, Inter are already looking at would-be replacements for Onana. And the report claims Giorgi Mamardashvili, Keylor Navas, Hugo Lloris, and Yann Sommer are all in the frame.
However, Inzaghi’s No 1 choice has already been taken off the radar. That’s after Tottenham beat them to the £17m signing of Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli.
As a result, Inzaghi has reportedly made his feelings clear at the way the entire saga has been handled.
As for Onana, the report claims that United and Inter could reach an official agreement on Friday. The player will then travel to United to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms. And his signing may well be made official some time in early July.
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