Onana could 'abandon ship' with Man Utd eyeing long-term target as replacement

Suraj Radia

• 27 Jan 2024 17:33 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United could reignite their interest in one of their long-term targets, with Erik ten Hag already reportedly looking at replacements for Andre Onana after the goalkeeper’s tough start to life at Old Trafford.

Onana has been the focus of criticism since his €50 million transfer from Inter in the summer and the 27-year-old has already conceded 47 goals this season, leading to question marks over his long-term standing in the team despite his pricetag.

Ten Hag has publicly remained supportive of his goalkeeper and appears willing to stand by him but todofichajes in Spain have claimed that Onana could decide to ‘abandon ship’ at the end of the season.

The report states that United have already begun exploring the market for a replacement and that has led them back to Jan Oblak, a player whom they have long been linked to since his breakthrough at Atletico Madrid.

Oblak had been considered one of the best shotstoppers in the world during his early years in Madrid but it is believed he is ‘no longer a non-transferable player’ for Atletico and that they would be willing to listen to offers for the 31-year-old.

An offer of €45m would be enough for Atletico to part ways with their keeper but a lot depends on how they finish the season, while United would also need to sell Onana before replacing him.

Oblak and Onana departures appear unlikely for both teams

Onana still has more than four years remaining on his contract and United would be unlikely to recoup their investment after his disastrous season so far.

However, the Cameroonian’s ability on the ball is still considered an asset for Ten Hag and he is prepared to keep the faith in Onana in order to persist with his style of play in defence.

Oblak, meanwhile, also sees his contract expire in 2028 but the Slovenian has not proven as integral to Atletico as his previous years and the club could take an opportunity to cash in on a player on the wrong side of 30.

Atletico currently sit inside of the top four in La Liga by virtue of head-to-head but the need to sell Oblak could become more apparent if they don’t qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season, meaning any discussion over his future will be on hold until then.