Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has agreed to join Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on a season-long loan, with the Cameroonian shot-stopper set to have his full wages covered by the club.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, former Cameroon star Geremi Njitap backed Onana’s decision, stressing that the move is crucial for the goalkeeper to get consistent minutes.
“For a player of Andre’s quality, the most important thing is playing time,” said the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Newcastle defender. “At Manchester United, things haven’t gone smoothly for him, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t one of the best. Going to Trabzonspor is smart because he’ll be on the pitch every week, and that’s what he needs now more than anything else.”
Geremi added that a change of scenery could help Onana regain the form that made him one of Europe’s top goalkeepers at Inter Milan.
“Confidence comes from rhythm, and rhythm comes from games,” he said in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa. “Turkey is a fantastic place for a player to rebuild because the fans are passionate, and Trabzonspor are a big club pushing for trophies. This is the right moment for Andre to reset, play regularly, and remind everyone of his true level.”
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The deal, which carries no loan fee or option to buy, also includes performance bonuses that could nearly double his earnings.
As per The Athletic, Onana is expected to travel to Turkey via Paris once he wraps up international duty with Cameroon, who face Cape Verde in a decisive World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. Trabzonspor are pushing to have the 29-year-old registered in time for their September 14 clash with Fenerbahce, taking advantage of the Turkish transfer window which remains open until September 12.
Trabzonspor have made a strong start to the season, sitting second in the Super Lig table after three wins and a draw from their first four matches. Onana, who featured in Cameroon’s 3-0 win over Eswatini on Thursday, is expected to be one of the club’s marquee signings this year.