Manchester United Snags Cameroonian Goalkeeper Andre Onana in Record-Breaking Transfer Deal

Manchester United has officially completed the signing of Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan for a fee of 51 million euros ($57 million). The 27-year-old has joined United on a five-year contract, with the option to extend the deal by a further 12 months. The transfer also includes add-ons of 4 million euros ($4.5 million) based on Onana's success at the club.

Onana expressed his excitement and honor at joining Manchester United, stating that he has worked hard throughout his career to reach this moment. He will join his new teammates on their preseason tour of the United States. The goalkeeper will replace David de Gea, who recently announced his departure from United after 12 years at the club.

Onana's strong footwork and comfortable ball-handling skills make him well-suited to manager Erik ten Hag's plans to build play from the defense, a strategy that De Gea struggled with last season. Onana's abilities were praised by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola ahead of the Champions League final, in which Inter Milan were defeated 1-0. Onana's distribution and willingness to step out of his area to receive the ball were evident in the final, justifying Guardiola's acclaim. While De Gea leaves big shoes to fill, Onana has proven himself to be a formidable goalkeeper.

Last season, he kept more clean sheets than any other Premier League goalkeeper and was named United's player of the year on four occasions. He was also part of the club's last league title-winning team and lifted four major trophies with the club. Onana spent just one season at Inter Milan, where he won the Italian Cup and Super Cup. He also played a vital role in helping the club reach the Champions League final.

Before joining Inter Milan, Onana had a brief dispute with Cameroon's national team coach, Rigobert Song, which led to his omission from the World Cup squad. He later announced that he had ended his international career with Cameroon. The goalkeeper has already arrived in Manchester and is expected to undergo a medical and complete the necessary paperwork before being officially presented as a United player.

He is eager to start this new experience under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, whom he hails as a master. Onana also expressed his determination to win the Champions League with his new club and hopes that Inter Milan will have another chance to win the final in the future.