Andre Onana names Man United as captivating as he soars in for medical ahead of £43m transfer
After agreeing to personal terms over the weekend, the goalkeeper flew to England from Italy on Monday night and is due to sign a five-year contract with an additional year’s option.
Onana was spotted at the airport on Monday, preparing to sail to England, and is expected to become Man United’s third summer signing.
The agreement will cost United an initial sum of £43,7 million, rising to £47,1 million with add-ons.
After longtime goalkeeper David de Gea’s departure last month, Onana will ascend to the club’s undisputed No. 1 position.
The Cameroonian is scheduled to undergo a medical examination on Tuesday, and he discussed the transfer in an interview with the Italian sports daily Gazetta dello Sport.
The 27-year-old stated, “The most important thing is to be truthful and always tell people the truth, and I am a person who is always seeking new challenges.”
“Playing for a club like United in the Premier League is irresistible. All parties desired this outcome.
“However, what matters is that even if I had remained, I would have been just as happy because I never encountered any issues at Inter. Indeed, Milan was the birthplace of an almost inexplicable enchantment.”
Onana will join a lengthy list of notable goalkeepers who have worn Old Trafford’s famous No. 1 jersey.
Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar, and the recently departed De Gea are among them.
When asked how he felt about following in the footsteps of the club’s legendary goalkeepers, Onana responded, “Being selected to continue this tradition makes me feel proud and responsible: I want to win trophies with my new teammates.”
The transfer reunites Onana with manager Erik ten Hag, with whom he previously worked at Ajax.
As he continues to implement his philosophy on the team, the Dutch coach desired to acquire a goalkeeper who is familiar with the ball at his feet.
Onana’s diverse skill set complements Ten Hag’s, as evidenced by Inter’s run to the Champions League final last season.
The 27-year-old made a tremendous impression upon joining the Serie A club as a free agent last summer.
During a memorable season for the Nerrazzurri, he helped Inter win both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.
However, his future is at Old Trafford, and Ten Hag hopes that his new acquisition will be available for the club’s impending tour of the United States.
United will compete in preseason matches against Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund in Europe on Wednesday.
Andre Onana names Man United as captivating as he soars in for medical ahead of £43m transfer