Serie A sensation confirms Man Utd and Chelsea offers

Tom Weber

Updated: 6 Dec 2024 17:00 GMT
3 min read

Ruben Amorim, Man Utd, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has confirmed that he previously received offers from Chelsea and Manchester United.

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The American-born Japanese international has enjoyed a spectacular rise to prominence in recent years. Aged just 22, Suzuki is an AFC Champions League winner and a 16-time senior international for the Samurai Blue.

The shot-stopper was the name on everyone's lips in the summer of 2023 when he became the subject of surprising transfer links with Man Utd. At the time, the Red Devils were scrambling for a goalkeeper capable of playing with the ball at his feet.

Man Utd ultimately signed Andre Onana from Inter but Suzuki was a name under consideration, albeit as more of an option for the future rather than an immediate starter.

Instead of moving to Manchester, Suzuki left Urawa Reds for Sint-Truiden in Belgian, initially joining the club on loan before the deal was made permanent in the winter. In the summer, he was again on the move as Serie A side Parma paid €7.5 million to bring him to Italy.

Suzuki on Chelsea, Man Utd offers

Parma, of course, have a brilliant goalkeeping tradition as the club that produced the great Gianluigi Buffon and while Suzuki is not quite at that level yet, he has certainly continued his steep career trajectory in Serie A.

The 22-year-old is a regular between the sticks and continues to impress with his performances. Now, he has spoken to La Repubblica to explain why exactly he didn't make the move to England, also revealing that Chelsea joined Man Utd in making offers for him.

“Is it true that I turned down offers from Chelsea and Manchester United? When I was in Japan, the Premier League wanted me, but in Belgium, I would have played more. I’m happy with my choice. Serie A is known around the world for the quality of its goalkeepers,” he said.