Andre Onana’s agent reveals he could have signed for TWO rivals before Man Utd transfer
Manchester United sealed a £47m deal for former Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer but the stopper could potentially have moved to one of the Red Devils’ Premier League rivals instead
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Ben Foster sends warning to Andre Onana and says Man Utd made wrong David de Gea decision
Andre Onana could have signed for Chelsea and Tottenham before sealing a move to Manchester United, the goalkeeper’s agent has confirmed.
The Cameroonian stopper completed a switch to Old Trafford earlier this summer. The Red Devils agreed to pay Italian giants Inter Milan £47m for his services and he put pen to paper on a five-year contract with United.
He is now expected to act as David de Gea’s replacement - the Spaniard leaving the club at the end of his contract. Whilst the Red Devils now have their new number one in situ, it might not have gone that way should a number of Premier League rivals followed up on their interest.
Onana’s agent Albert Botines has revealed that both Chelsea and Tottenham were also eyeing him. Speaking to Italian outlet CalcioMercato, he said: “It all started a few months ago.
“Around April many people enquired about the player. Tottenham asked for information, Chelsea had a very strong interest. There were meetings in London and Chelsea had also met with Inter, but the figure of Ten Hag was key. We are looking forward to facing great coaches like [Pep] Guardiola and trying to win titles with Manchester United. We have a great desire.”
After electing not to move for Onana in the end, Tottenham eventually signed a new goalkeeper in the form of Guglielmo Vicario from Udinese. Questions also remain over Chelsea’s selection between the sticks.
Edouard Mendy has left Stamford Bridge for Saudi side Al Ahli, leaving Kepa Arrizabalaga as the club’s obvious choice as it stands. He has struggled for consistency since his record-breaking move to West London in 2018.
Andre Onana made his Man United debut against Inter Milan (
Image:
Getty Images)
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Elsewhere, Onana has explained why he decided to pursue a move to United. Speaking before the switch was made official, he said: “The important thing is to be honest and always tell people the truth. I am a person who always wants new challenges. Playing in the Premier League and for a club like United is irresistible. All parties wanted this to happen.
“But what matters is that, even if I had stayed, I would have been equally happy because I never had any problems at Inter. Indeed, a magic was born in Milan that is almost difficult to explain.”
“Being chosen to continue this tradition makes me proud and responsible,” he added. “I want to win trophies with my new companions.”
Onana was afforded his debut for the Red Devils during their 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in pre-season. Goals from summer signings Jude Bellingham and Joselu saw the Spanish side secure victory.
