There is “zero substance” to the rumours linking Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana with a move to Saudi Arabian side Neom SC, according to Ben Jacobs.
Since joining Manchester United in 2023 after reaching a Champions League final with Inter Milan, Onana has struggled for consistency. The Cameroon international has made a number of errors in the past two years and in the 2024/25 campaign, saw himself dropped by Ruben Amorim for a game against Newcastle United towards the season's end.
In Man United’s final match of the Premier League season against Aston Villa, Amorim left Onana out of his matchday squad entirely, sparking rumours about Onana’s future at Old Trafford.
Andre Onana 24/25 Season Stats
Competition
Premier League
Europa League
FA Cup
Community Shield
Recently, it has been reported that Saudi Arabian side Neom SC were interested in signing Onana this summer, having previously had an interest in the shot-stopper. Speaking on The United Stand YouTube channel, Jacobs provided further detail on the discussions about Onana’s future.
‘No Advanced Talks, No Done Deal’
Onana isn’t set for a move to Saudi Arabia
Andre Onana in action for Manchester United against Lyon
Jacobs revealed that there is nothing concrete to suggest that Onana, who has been dubbed "world-class" when at his peak, is close to joining Neom SC, who won promotion to the Saudi Pro League by winning the First Division last season. Former Brentford and West Ham wide man Said Benrahma now plies his trade there, a noticeable name in a team that also includes defender Ahmed Hegazi, who played in the English top flight with West Brom. Discussing Onana, Jacobs said:
“I think the situation is open and for the right offer, Manchester United will entertain a sale, but I don’t think they’re desperately trying to push the goalkeeper out. Regarding Saudi Arabia, and I respect the reporting of others, so I’m not intentionally trying to shout down anything that is out there, but I’m told there is zero substance between Neom SC and Andre Onana. No advanced talks, no done deal, not even a desire to bring the player to Neom SC.
“Wider Saudi interest, yes, but it’s not developed to the point of even a non-binding offer to Onana. So, those close to Onana don’t have a Saudi offer in hand, as far as I’m aware. Those close to Neom SC that I speak to entirely dismiss the possibility of Onana joining their club.”
Whether Onana is still at Old Trafford by the end of the summer transfer window remains to be seen. Man United have been linked with signing a goalkeeper in recent weeks, but as Jacobs noted, the Red Devils are not “desperately trying to push” Onana out of the club, as Amorim looks to improve on the club’s worst-ever Premier League campaign.
Sign up toThe GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.
( All stats are fromTransfermarktand are correct as of 31/05/2025 )
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on the touchline Related
‘World-Class’ Man Utd Star ‘Says Yes’ to New Project, Could Leave in Days
Manchester United could lose one of their best players in the coming days, according to reports