Man Utd already have Andre Onana replacement lined up as Zion Suzuki opens up

Man Utd were 'hours' away from losing transfer target to Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp chat

Manchester United entered the summer eyeing two goalkeeper signings ahead of David de Gea’s release and Dean Henderson’s eventual £20million transfer to Crystal Palace. But while Erik ten Hag secured his first-choice target, Andre Onana, he missed out on his preferred No 2.

Ten Hag replaced De Gea with Onana in a £47m deal after his stellar season at Inter Milan, viewing the 27-year-old as United’s long-term goalkeeper.

But the Dutchman was keen to add a third, younger name to his goalkeeper’s union, also featuring veteran stopper Tom Heaton.

United ultimately completed the £4m signing of Fenerbahce’s Altay Bayindir, but the Turkey international wasn’t a priority.

Reports claimed the Red Devils were in talks with Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds over 21-year-old star Zion Suzuki.

But Suzuki allegedly snubbed the chance to move to Old Trafford due to his desire for regular game time.

And he has since spoken out about the collapsed transfer, admitting that United’s capture of Onana ended the club’s hopes of sealing his signature.

READ MORE Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag risks Jadon Sancho repeat with ‘concerns over stars'[NEWS]

But he offered the Red Devils hope of returning for his services down the line, claiming that playing in the Premier League was one of his career aspirations.

“My dream is to play in the Premier League,” Suzuki told Belgian outlet Voetbal Belgie.

“It is true that I have received an offer from Manchester United, but United have acquired Onana this season, so I want to play at a level where I can play.

‌”Even if I can’t go there [Premier League] now, I definitely want to go there in a few years. To progress step by step, I decided to move to Belgium.”

Suzuki opted to join Belgian club Sint-Truidenese on a season-long loan with the view of making the deal permanent next summer.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

DON’T MISS
Eriksen may be Man Utd’s newest benchwarmer as Ten Hag left impressed by trio[COMMENT]
Mason Greenwood told to ‘die’ as La Liga stamp down on hostile welcome[NEWS]
Man Utd think they can get huge discount on La Liga ace with £86m release clause[TRANSFERS]

The Japan international missed Sint-Truidenese’s opening three Jupiler Pro League games while awaiting the completion of his paperwork.

But he has started the last four: a defeat against Cercle Brugge, draws against RSC Charleroi and KRC Genk and a win over KV Mechelen.

Onana is positioned to stand as Ten Hag’s No 1 for years, but he will eventually need to be replaced by a younger option, as he did De Gea this summer.

And if Suzuki continues his upward trajectory, the United boss could take a second bite at the cherry and attempt to bring him to Old Trafford as Onana’s successor in a few years.

Source: Read Full Article