André Onana Set for Trabzonspor Move in Bid to Revive Career

André Onana is joining Trabzonspor on loan from Manchester United until June 2026. He is searching for a fresh start in the Turkish Süper Lig after two difficult years in England.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Onana is flying to Turkey with his agent to finalize a deal to become Trabzonspor‘s new goalkeeper on a season-long loan. Manchester United have agreed to let Onana leave without a loan fee or an option to buy. The English club will continue to pay a large part of his salary. However, Trabzonspor will also contribute and add performance bonuses. The Cameroon international was pushed out of the first team after United signed Senne Lammens and coach Ruben Amorim selected Altay Bayındır for the opening matches. Onana made just one appearance this season, a loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, following two inconsistent seasons at Old Trafford. Trabzonspor needed a new first-choice goalkeeper after Uğurcan Çakır’s departure this summer.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This loan is an important moment in Onana’s career. He was once one of the world’s highest-rated young goalkeepers after strong spells at Ajax and Inter Milan, including helping Inter reach the 2023 Champions League final. Now Onana faces questions about his future at the highest level. Manchester United signed him for more than €50 million. But his career stalled after a series of high-profile mistakes and losing his place to Altay Bayındır. For Trabzonspor, the move brings in a player with Champions League experience to support a title push. The club is second in the Süper Lig, just behind champions Galatasaray. They are looking to close the narrow two-point gap at the top. Trabzonspor, led by Fati Tekke and reinforced by Onana, face a big match against Gaziantep next Sunday. Gaziantep are mid-table, four points behind Trabzonspor, making the tie essential for both teams.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ONANA?

Onana is expected to be ready for his Trabzonspor debut against Gaziantep. Fans and club officials hope his arrival will solidify a defense that needs stability after Uğurcan Çakır’s exit. For Onana, this is a chance to rebuild his reputation ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon. Manchester United will keep a close eye on his progress, retaining the option to recall him in June 2026. If Onana’s form returns, he could find himself back at Old Trafford or with renewed interest from other top clubs. The pressure is on for both player and club as the Süper Lig season heats up. Only small margins separate the teams at the top and the battle for European places is wide open.