De Gea’s exit: Man United sign new goalkeeper for £47m

248

Andre Onana, Cameroon goalkeeper, completed his transfer to Manchester United from Inter Milan on Thursday.

According to BBC Sport, Onana joins United for a fee in the region of £47.2 million, making him the most expensive African goalkeeper in history.

The 27-year-old will replace departed David De Gea as Man United’s first choice goalkeeper.

According to the club’s announcement, Onana signed a five-year contract that will run till 2028, with an option of another year.

Speaking about the transfer, Onana, who previously worked with manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax Amsterdam said he is honoured to be joining Manchester United.

“To join Manchester United is an incredible honour and I have worked hard all my life to get to this moment, overcoming many obstacles along the way,” he said.

“Walking out at Old Trafford to defend our goal and contribute to the team will be another amazing experience. This is the start of a new journey for me, with new teammates, and new ambitions to fight for.

“Manchester United has a long history of incredible goalkeepers, and I will now give everything to create my own legacy in the coming years. I am excited by the opportunity to work again with Erik ten Hag, and I can’t wait to play my part in the success I know he is determined to deliver at this great football club.”

On his part, John Murtough, Manchester United director of football, praised the “world-class status” of the former Inter goalkeeper.

“Andre was our top choice to become the new goalkeeper for Manchester United, with exactly the right profile of technical attributes and personality,” he said.

“Having achieved success throughout his career, we know that Andre will further add to the winning mentality we are building within our squad.

“He is already one of the world’s best goalkeepers and at the age of 27 we firmly believe that he can develop even further over the coming years.”

Onana, who has made 255 club appearances in his top-flight career, was on the losing side in last season’s UEFA Champions League final.