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Manchester United’s turbulent season could culminate in the departure of a high-profile player, with reports suggesting one of their underperforming stars is nearing an exit. After a campaign riddled with defensive blunders and mounting criticism, the Red Devils appear ready to part ways with a key figure whose tenure has fallen short of expectations.
While the club battles to salvage European qualification, behind-the-scenes negotiations hint at a major shakeup—one that could see this player swap the Premier League for a new challenge abroad.
Manchester United standout's imminent Saudi switch
The player in question? Goalkeeper Andre Onana, whose two-year stint at Old Trafford has been marred by inconsistency and high-profile mistakes. Once hailed as a transformative signing, the Cameroonian shot-stopper now faces intense scrutiny, with former United midfielder Nemanja Matic branding him “one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history.”
Onana’s struggles peaked during the Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, where a mistake-laden performance led to his benching—a symbolic low point in his United career.
According to Foot Mercato, Onana is now in “advanced talks” with Saudi Pro League newcomers NEOM, a club backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Freshly promoted to the top flight, NEOM aims to bolster its roster with Premier League experience, having already signed ex-West Ham winger Said Benrahma and former West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazy.
Onana’s openness to the move marks a stark reversal from earlier reports that he’d resist a summer exit, signaling his dwindling confidence in reclaiming Manchester United’s starting role.
A fall from grace
Andre Onana’s decline has been swift and stark. Signed in 2023 to replace David de Gea, he arrived with a reputation for elite ball-playing skills and commanding presence. Instead, his tenure has been defined by costly errors, shaky decision-making, and a failure to stabilize United’s leaky defense. Critics argue his style—aggressive off the line but prone to positioning lapses—clashes with the Premier League’s relentless demands.
The Lyon debacle proved the final straw for many fans. After gifting the French side a lifeline with a misjudged clearance, Onana was axed for backup Altay Bayındır in the semifinals. With manager Erik ten Hag’s future uncertain, Manchester United’s hierarchy has begun scouting replacements, including Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Espanyol’s Joan García.
Saudi appeal and United’s rebuild
For Andre Onana, a move to NEOM offers a fresh start and lucrative financial incentives. The Saudi project, which has lured stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, provides a chance to reboot his career away from Old Trafford’s unforgiving spotlight. NEOM’s ambition aligns with PIF’s vision to elevate the league’s profile, and Onana’s pedigree—despite his struggles—adds marquee value.
Meanwhile, United’s rebuild accelerates. Scouts have reportedly eyed Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kaua Santos and Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens as potential replacements, signaling a shift toward younger, more dynamic goalkeeping options. The club’s transfer strategy now prioritizes reliability over reputation, a lesson hard-learned from Onana’s turbulent spell.
Onana’s potential exit underscores a broader reckoning at Manchester United. With Champions League hopes fading and fan patience thinning, the summer window demands decisive action. Letting go of underperformers like Onana could free resources to address gaps in defense, midfield, and attack.
For Andre Onana, the Saudi move represents redemption—or irrelevance. At 28, he still has years to revive his career, but the pressure to deliver in a league hungry for credibility will be immense. As talks progress, one truth remains: both player and club are eager to turn the page.
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