By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Turkiye, 25 June 2026 - Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana is on the verge of completing a return to Turkish side Trabzonspor after both clubs reached a verbal agreement over a new loan deal. The move represents another major step in United's ongoing squad rebuild and appears to signal the end of Onana's time as a key figure at Old Trafford.
According to multiple reports, Trabzonspor and Manchester United have agreed in principle to a loan arrangement that would keep the Cameroonian international in Turkey until June 2027.
The deal is expected to include a loan fee paid by the Turkish club, although no purchase option has been reported at this stage. Fabrizio Romano was among the first journalists to confirm that a verbal agreement had been reached, describing the transfer as a "Here We Go" deal.
Onana initially joined Trabzonspor on loan during the 2025/26 season after falling out of favour at Manchester United. While his spell in England was marked by inconsistency and high-profile errors, the move to Turkey provided the 30-year-old with an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his best form.
The former Ajax and Inter Milan goalkeeper became a regular starter for Trabzonspor and gradually won over supporters with a series of strong performances. His contributions helped the club secure a top-three finish in the Turkish Super Lig while also playing a key role in their domestic cup success.
Trabzonspor officials have reportedly been eager to retain the goalkeeper ever since the conclusion of the season, believing his experience and leadership remain valuable assets for the club's ambitions both domestically and in European competition.
The proposed loan deal reflects Manchester United's changing plans under manager Michael Carrick.
After spending approximately £47 million to sign Onana from Inter Milan in 2023, United had hoped he would become the long-term successor to David de Gea. However, a series of costly mistakes across multiple competitions led to growing criticism from supporters and pundits.
Despite flashes of his undeniable talent, Onana struggled to consistently justify his place as Manchester United's number one goalkeeper. Reports now indicate that United no longer consider him part of their long-term plans and are prepared to facilitate another temporary departure.
The emergence of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens has further reduced Onana's chances of reclaiming a starting role at Old Trafford. Club officials are reportedly focused on building a squad capable of competing in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, with several changes expected during the summer transfer window.
For all parties involved, the agreement appears to offer significant benefits.
For Trabzonspor, retaining a goalkeeper who already understands the club, league, and expectations eliminates the need for a lengthy adaptation period. Onana has already demonstrated his ability to perform in Turkish football and remains highly regarded within the club.
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For Manchester United, another loan move helps reduce wage commitments while allowing the club to continue reshaping its squad. The arrangement could also increase the likelihood of a permanent transfer in the future if Onana continues to perform well.
For the player himself, regular first-team football remains crucial. At 30 years old, Onana is entering what many consider the prime years for a goalkeeper. Remaining at Trabzonspor provides him with stability, playing time, and an opportunity to continue rebuilding his reputation after a challenging period in England.
Onana's career has already included significant highs and lows.
The Cameroon international rose through Barcelona's youth system before establishing himself as one of Europe's most highly regarded goalkeepers at Ajax. His performances in the UEFA Champions League earned him a move to Inter Milan, where he helped the Italian giants reach the 2023 Champions League final.
That success prompted Manchester United to invest heavily in his services, but his Premier League journey never fully met expectations. While there were moments of brilliance, the consistency required at one of the world's biggest clubs often proved elusive.
Now, a second spell at Trabzonspor could represent an important chapter in his career. Success in Turkey may not only revive his standing at club level but also strengthen his position with the Cameroon national team ahead of future international tournaments.
Although the transfer has not yet been officially announced by either club, all indications suggest that the move is approaching completion. Final paperwork and administrative details are expected to be completed in the coming days before Onana returns to Trabzonspor for another season.
If the deal is finalized as expected, it will mark another significant outgoing transfer for Manchester United as the club continues its summer overhaul. For Trabzonspor, meanwhile, it would represent the return of a player who became one of their most important performers during the previous campaign.
As things stand, André Onana's future appears firmly tied to Turkey once again, with both club and player ready to continue a partnership that proved successful during the 2025/26 campaign.