Trabzonspor's supporters cheer their team during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match Lille vs. Trabzonspor AS on December 7, 2011 at the Lille metropole stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq. AFP PHOTO FRANCOIS LO PRESTI (Photo credit should read FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP/Getty Images)
Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana is expected to complete a season-long loan move to Turkish club Trabzonspor this week, with a medical reportedly scheduled for Thursday according to BBC.
The transfer marks a reversal for Onana, who initially believed he would remain at Old Trafford.
However, the club’s late transfer-day signing of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp created a logjam of four goalkeepers, a situation that prompted the Cameroonian to reconsider his options.
Onana has also lost his starting spot to Altay Bayındır this season and has made only one appearance in the Carabao Cup.
According to reports, the move to Trabzonspor is financially favorable for the 29-year-old. He is expected to receive a signing-on fee and will benefit from a flat 20% tax rate in the Turkish Süper Lig.
The transfer is seen as an opportunity for Onana to secure regular playing time and boost his earnings, especially with Manchester United not participating in the Champions League this season.
United sources had previously indicated the club was comfortable with having four goalkeepers, citing Onana’s potential absence for the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts in December. However, Trabzonspor’s interest and the closing of the Turkish transfer window on Friday have accelerated the transfer.
The loan to Trabzonspor will give Onana a chance to get his career back on track and regain his form as he eyes a return to Manchester United.