According to reports from Italy, Erik ten Hag is working to complete the transfer of Inter Milan custodian Andre Onana for Manchester United. The two parties have nearly reached an agreement on a price.
Will Andre Onana be a part of Man United?
Man United have made significant progress in their pursuit of Onana after reaching a personal contract agreement with the Inter goalie last week. Ten Hag was looking to sign Onana to replace David de Gea, who left the team after his contract expired at the end of June.
The 27-year-old’s current employers have reportedly told him to “prepare” for a move to Old Trafford, with United “confident” about their ability to close the deal. As a result, Inter appear to be resigned to losing the player, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
According to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness), Ten Hag is anxious for United executives to complete the deal so he can join the rest of the team on their preseason tour of the United States.
The difference between Inter’s demands and the price Man United are willing to pay is now “thin,” and an offer over €50 million (£43 million) is on the way, which they hope will be sufficient to settle the matter once and for all.
Additionally, it is stated that the negotiations may now end as early as Wednesday, indicating the deal may be completed sooner than anticipated. Last week, reports stated the deal would be completed by the end of the week.
The calibre of Andre Onana.
The Cameroonian has been praised as “superb” by journalist Oma Akatugba, and former West Ham United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has also praised him for his leadership skills, saying:
“I’ve been impressed with everything I’ve seen. Onana displayed leadership and a sense of presence in that [Champions League] final that I thought Manchester United had missed in that position.
The one flaw in David de Gea’s game when he was at his best is that he wasn’t the kind of leader Manchester United required in that position. David de Gea has been a fantastic shot-stopper over the years.
“I have no issues with performance, but I thought there could have been more leadership. Onana checks off each requirement.
He could be a better option than De Gea due to his presence on the pitch, and he also outperformed the Spaniard in the league last season in terms of average SofaScore rating as well as save and crosses-stopped percentage.
De Gea won the Golden Glove Award for the Premier League for the second time last season. It is understandably sad to see him leave the team after spending so much time there, but Onana has all the makings of a great successor. Ten Hag will now be hoping that the Inter goalie will be fit for Man United’s first preseason match against Arsenal in the United States on July 22.
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