The Cameroon international goalkeeper, who arrived from Inter Milan in a €50 million transfer last summer, has encountered difficulties in making a notable impact. Speculation has arisen online indicating a potential return to Italy in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Onana has conceded 57 goals in 37 matches for Manchester United during the current season, managing only 11 clean sheets. His performances have faced considerable criticism.
His recruitment last summer was expedited due to the unexpected breakdown of contract negotiations with David de Gea. Although facing less scrutiny recently, it wouldn’t be surprising if Manchester United were to consider parting ways with the 27-year-old goalkeeper.
In such a scenario, the possibility of Onana returning to Inter Milan emerges. According to FCInterNews, he has acquired a €6.5 million, eight-bedroom residence in the suburbs of Milan, indicating his potential lack of long-term settlement intentions in Manchester.
“Andre Onana does not forget Milan. Both for his affection towards Inter, and because he recently completed the purchase of a luxurious villa on the outskirts of Milan, to be precise in Corbetta, a stone’s throw from Magenta,” the site reports.
“In a quiet area, surrounded by greenery to guarantee absolute intimacy, the villa is built on a plot of 1,300 metres square, has an outdoor area of 3,000 metres square with a swimming pool, barbecue and garden. In short, it does not miss anything.”
Lukaku all over again?
Inter Milan executed a strategic maneuver involving Romelu Lukaku and Chelsea, wherein the Italian club initially sold the player to Chelsea for a sum of €113 million, only to promptly secure his return on loan after Lukaku’s underwhelming performance at Stamford Bridge. The potential for a permanent transfer to Inter was also contemplated, however, Lukaku’s clandestine negotiations with Juventus thwarted such prospects.
Speculation on social media abounds regarding Inter’s potential replication of this tactic with Manchester United and Onana, despite the commendable debut season exhibited by veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer.