Full Breakdown
André Onana’s Second Loan to Trabzonspor Confirms United’s Goalkeeper Shift
7/4/2026, 2:18:56 PM
Second Season-Long Loan to Trabzonspor
Manchester United announced that Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana will spend the 2026-27 season on a second loan at Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor. The deal includes a performance-linked fee up to €1.5 million, no purchase option, and Trabzonspor will cover most of his wages, which rose after United’s Champions League qualification.
Background
Onana joined United from Inter Milan in 2023 for a £43-£47 million fee. After 102 appearances, he lost his place when manager Ruben Amorim promoted Belgian Senne Lammens to starter in October 2025. His final United appearance was a Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby in August 2025, after which he spent 2025-26 on loan at Trabzonspor, helping the club win the Turkish Cup and finish third in the Süper Lig.
Data & Statistics
Trabzonspor reported Onana made 33-40 appearances, kept six league clean sheets and conceded 42 goals. His salary is about £170,000 per week, largely funded by the Turkish club. The loan fee is up to €1.5 million. In the Turkish Cup semi-final he saved three penalties, aiding Trabzonspor’s cup win and Europa League qualification.
Why It Matters
The loan removes Onana’s £170,000-a-week wage from United’s payroll, freeing space to sign a No. 2 keeper. With Lammens entrenched as No. 1 and third-choice Altay Bayindir likely to leave, United are expected to target free agents Karl Darlow, Sam Johnstone or Angus Gunn.
Official Statements & Responses
Manchester United issued a statement wishing Onana the best of luck for the upcoming campaign and describing the move as a straight one-year loan without a purchase clause, confirming his return in summer 2027.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note that Onana’s two-year spell at United featured mistakes and fell short of expectations for a £43 million signing, prompting the club to seek alternatives rather than keep him as a backup.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everyone at United wishes André the best of luck for the campaign ahead,” — Manchester United (official statement)
- “I'm very happy, trust me. I'm living the best period of my life,” — André Onana, speaking to Turkish outlet Yeniasir
- “I can't complain, I'm very happy to be here.” — André Onana, same interview
- “I think to myself, 'Yes, but we can do this in another way'. But when they see me, they're happy, and so am I. It was difficult at first, but now I understand.” — André Onana, same interview
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Onana’s appearance total (33-40) and loan fee (€1.5 million vs £1.3 million).
What’s Next
United’s recruitment staff are expected to sign a free-agent No. 2 goalkeeper before pre-season, while monitoring Altay Bayindir’s move to Besiktas. Onana will return to Old Trafford in summer 2027 with one year left on his contract, after which United must decide whether to sell, cancel, or arrange another loan.
