Andre Onana of Inter Milan looks on in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, June 10, 2023. /CFP
Manchester United have agreed to sign goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan for 50 million euros (about $56.1 million), ESPN reported on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Cameroonian is one medical away from joining "The Red Devils," which parted ways with David De Gea earlier this month after 12 years with the club. United hope that Onana can join them for the preseason tour that will begin later this week in New York.
Onana trained at Barcelona's La Masia academy for five years before joining Ajax in 2015, where he grew into an excellent goalie. Inter signed him as a free agent in summer 2022. Having made 41 appearances for the Italian powerhouse during the 2022-23 campaign, he allowed 36 goals with 19 clean sheets. The Nerazzurris won the Copa Italia and reached the UEFA Champions League final last season.
Inter saw many key players leave this summer, including Marcelo Brozovic, Milan Skriniar and Edin Dzeko. Onana's deal will leave the highest transfer fee for the club which has been struggling financially for years.
Andre Onana of Inter Milan tries to save a shot during practice at Suning Training Center at Appiano Gentile in Como, Italy, July 15, 2023. /CFP
Onana became the second-biggest signing of United this summer after landing Mason Mount from Chelsea for 64.2 million euros (about $72.1 million). The club has reportedly been seeking to add a star striker and a trustworthy back on the transfer market.
Onana's arrival, according to ESPN, may lead to the departure of Dean Henderson. Henderson played for Nottingham Forest last season on loan. United may sell him to the club for 20 million pounds (about $26.2 million).
Erik ten Hag, who took over as United's manager in April 2022, led the club to finish the 2022-23 campaign third in the Premier League, qualifying for the Champions League this season in the process. He continued to leave more of his imprint on United as he stripped Harry Maguire of captaincy.
"After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I'm personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt," Maguire posted on Twitter on Sunday. "So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I've been wearing the armband."