Manchester United are hoping to offload under-performing goalkeeper Andre Onana to one of the financial powerhouses of Saudi Arabia this summer, according to a report.
The Cameroon international's time at Old Trafford has been blighted by a series of comedic errors, and Ruben Amorim's side are being tipped to make a move for a new number one this summer.
Onana was recently name-checked by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as one player bought before INEOS' arrival that he had to 'sort out', although the goalkeeper has been backed publicly by Amorim.
However, Onana does not appear to have a long-term future at the Theatre of Dreams, and if the Red Devils are successful in bringing in a replacement this summer, he will likely be given the green light to depart.
According to The Sun, Man United are hopeful that the Saudi Pro League will take the 28-year-old off of their hands in the next transfer window, and there is currently interest from the Gulf state in the Cameroonian.
Amorim to make goalkeeper 'priority' if Saudi Arabia move for Onana
© Imago
The report states that if a Saudi team firms up their interest in Onana during the summer transfer window, then Man United will make it a 'priority' to bring in a new number one for the 2025-26 season, and the Cameroonian is indeed 'set for a transfer' to the Middle East.
Onana arrived at Old Trafford in 2023 as the successor to the long-serving David de Gea, thus reuniting with Erik ten Hag following their successful relationship at Dutch giants Ajax.
The finger was often pointed at the 28-year-old for several high-profile mistakes during his first few months at the club, although he still ended the 2023-24 season with a respectable 13 clean sheets in all tournaments.
So far in 2024-25, Onana has kept nine shut-outs from 40 matches across all competitions and has benefitted from injuries to Tom Heaton and Altay Bayindir to continue as Amorim's undisputed number one.
The Cameroonian shot-stopper's contract does not expire until the end of the 2027-28 season, and the Red Devils can also extend his deal by a further year to protect his value as they seek to avoid a loss on the £42.3m they paid for his services.
Which Onana replacements are Man United targeting?
© Imago
Man United have inevitably been linked with a plethora of emerging shot-stoppers amid speculation surrounding Onana's future, and one of those standout options is said to be Royal Antwerp's Senne Lammens.
The Belgian giants have supposedly slapped a £30m valuation on the 22-year-old, although he would still prove to be a cheaper option than Lille's Lucas Chevalier, another rumoured target and one valued at approximately £40m.
However, Man United will apparently have to battle bitter rivals Manchester City for the signatures of both shot-stoppers, as the reigning Premier League champions are also likely to lose Ederson to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Alternatively, Amorim could turn to the Championship, where Burnley's James Trafford and Blackburn Rovers's Aynsley Pears - the son of a former Man United goalkeeper - have reportedly caught the eye.
Man United are languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table and are next in action away to Nottingham Forest on April 1 following the international break.
Ben Knapton
