Man Utd target REJECTS Red Devils transfer to join European minnows

Cameron Smith

Updated: 8 Aug 2023 08:40 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag next to the Manchester United badge — © ProShots

Manchester United target Zion Suzuki rejected a move to Old Trafford, despite the Red Devils agreeing a fee with Urawa Red Diamonds, according to the Manchester Evening News.

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The 20-year-old goalkeeper had been identified as a potential back-up to Andre Onana, with Dean Henderson looking likely to leave the club this summer.

However, Suzuki himself turned Man Utd down in favour of joining Belgian side Sint-Truidense VV (STVV) on loan.

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

STVV, who are a Japanese-owned club, do have an option to make his loan deal from Urawa Red Diamonds permanent, but it is not an obligation.

The Manchester Evening News have reported that United did agree a fee for Suzuki, but the player was not keen on joining the Old Trafford club. The report details that the Red Devils believed Suzuki needed two more years of development before he’d be ready for regular Premier League football, but the 20-year-old wanted to ensure he would receive consistent game time.

He instead joined STVV on loan on 6 August, having made 29 first-team appearances for Urawa Red Diamonds; he also made his senior Japan debut in a 6-0 win over Hong Kong in July 2022, but has not featured for the national team since.

MORE: How Man Utd could make Chelsea’s transfer nightmare even worse

STVV finished 12th in the Belgian Pro League last season and are currently third after picking up two wins in their opening two fixtures of the 2023-24 campaign. Suzuki is yet to feature for his new club.

© ProShots - Zion Suzuki rejected Man Utd

Man Utd’s summer business

Erik ten Hag has strengthened his squad massively during the summer transfer window, with nearly €200 million spent on Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana.

Jonny Evans has also returned on a free transfer, while Anthony Elanga, Alex Telles, Zidane Iqbal, David de Gea, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jone have all left.

Man Utd kick off the new Premier League season with a clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford next Monday.