André Onana’s football journey has taken another dramatic turn, as the Cameroonian goalkeeper landed in Turkey on September 11, 2025, to begin a new chapter with Trabzonspor. Greeted by a sea of passionate supporters at the airport, Onana’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the Turkish club, as he seeks to rebuild his reputation after two turbulent years at Manchester United.
Onana, who joined Manchester United in 2023 as the third most expensive goalkeeper in history, arrives at Trabzonspor on a season-long loan. Manchester United, facing a crowded goalkeeper situation and shifting priorities, received no loan fee for the move. For Onana, the Turkish adventure offers more than just a change of scenery—it’s a chance to rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after shot-stoppers.
"I’m so happy. I’m starting a new adventure. I’m really excited. Feeling the love from those around me means a lot to me. I want to get to work as soon as possible and make them happy on the pitch," Onana shared with local press upon his arrival, his enthusiasm evident as he addressed the throng of fans who had gathered to welcome him. The official announcement of his signing was expected imminently after his arrival, and anticipation around Trabzon was palpable.
Onana’s career trajectory has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. His last game for Internazionale was the Champions League final—a stage where legends are made. Yet, his tenure at Manchester United quickly turned from a promising new era to a cautionary tale. His final appearance for United may have come in a Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby, a night marked by both a penalty save and a costly error. These moments, emblematic of his time in England, highlight the highs and lows that have defined his recent years.
During his stint at Old Trafford, Onana oscillated between moments of brilliance and glaring mistakes. He was United’s best player in the early months of the 2023-24 season, making more saves and boasting the highest save percentage in the Premier League. Yet, the numbers tell a more complex story: over two years, no other goalkeeper in the division committed more errors leading directly to goals—eight in total. The mistakes were often spectacular, like the infamous moment when a corner from Wolves’ Matheus Cunha sailed straight in, or when a shot from Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White found the net without any apparent deflection.
Onana’s struggles were not limited to domestic competitions. In the 2023-24 Champions League, he was at fault for five goals, contributing to what many described as Manchester United’s worst ever European campaign. The pressure mounted as United’s hopes in Europe evaporated, and criticism from pundits and former players intensified. Before a Europa League quarter-final, Lyon’s Nemanja Matic didn’t mince words, calling Onana "one of the worst goalkeepers" in the club’s history. While some saw this as mind games or loyalty to previous keepers, Onana’s costly errors in big matches were hard to ignore.
Despite the setbacks, Onana never shied away from taking responsibility. After particularly poor performances, he was often the first to apologize publicly, a gesture that resonated with some fans even as others lost patience. However, as the errors became more frequent, the goodwill began to wane. United’s management, led by Erik ten Hag, tried to find solace in selective statistics, but the reality was unavoidable. Onana became the fourth major signing under Ten Hag to be loaned out in 2025, joining Rasmus Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia, and Antony in what many see as a failed recruitment strategy.
The terms of Onana’s loan to Trabzonspor reflect the urgency on both sides. Manchester United, eager to move on and recalibrate their squad, accepted a deal with no loan fee. For Onana, the move is not just about football—it comes with a tax-free salary and the opportunity to play for a team that finished seventh in Turkey last season, a club hungry to climb higher. Manchester United, meanwhile, have shifted their focus to new goalkeeper signings, with rookie Senne Lammens and error-prone Altay Bayindir vying for the number one spot. There’s even talk of future moves for experienced keepers like Emi Martinez or Mike Maignan.
The atmosphere in Trabzon could hardly be more different from the tension Onana left behind in Manchester. Upon his arrival, fans showered him with support, holding up banners and chanting his name. According to Sports Witness, some fans shouted, "You are a very talented and good goalkeeper. Even if they make fun of you behind your back, we have great confidence in you. You have more than that. We want you to prove yourself by showing this in the Fenerbahçe match." The warm welcome clearly touched Onana, who seemed eager to repay the faith shown in him.
For Trabzonspor, signing a player of Onana’s pedigree is a statement of intent. The club, which finished seventh in the Süper Lig last term, is aiming to break into the upper echelons of Turkish football. Onana’s arrival brings not only experience but also international recognition, and his presence is expected to galvanize both the squad and the fanbase. The upcoming clash with Fenerbahçe looms large, and all eyes will be on whether Onana can deliver a performance worthy of the hype.
The move also comes at a time of broader transition for Manchester United. With the English transfer window closed, the club remains linked with a host of players across Europe, but the focus has shifted to offloading talent in leagues where windows remain open, such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Tyrell Malacia, another United player, is also reportedly close to securing a loan move to Eyupspor, though reports suggest he is hesitant about the switch. Meanwhile, United’s long-term transfer plans continue to evolve, with an eye on future signings and squad restructuring under new manager Ruben Amorim.
For Onana, the loan to Trabzonspor is more than a temporary escape—it’s a chance to remind the football world of his abilities. After enduring two challenging seasons in England, he now finds himself at a club ready to embrace him, with supporters eager to see him succeed. The Turkish league presents new challenges, not least the fierce rivalry with Galatasaray, a team that has previously exposed some of Onana’s weaknesses. But with a clean slate and the backing of a passionate fanbase, Onana has the opportunity to write a new chapter in his career.
As the official unveiling of André Onana at Trabzonspor draws near, anticipation is building. Will this be the fresh start he needs to reclaim his place among Europe’s elite goalkeepers? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Onana as he steps onto the pitch in Turkey, determined to prove his doubters wrong and make his mark once again.
