Onana wanted to return to Manchester United but was rejected; a potential 20 million transfer to Saudi Arabia next summer! The reason behind his salary demand revealed

As reported by Turkish sources, André Onana, loaned to Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig this summer, is keen to return to Manchester United. He has stated his readiness to challenge Senna Miangue for the first-choice goalkeeper role. Nevertheless, the Red Devils have made it clear to the 29-year-old Cameroonian keeper that he no longer has a spot in the squad.

Onana was recently omitted from Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations roster and has no prospects at Manchester United, which has been a double setback for him. It is reported that Onana is very eager to maintain his high salary because he has many financial responsibilities back home, which is why he requested a pay raise from Manchester United last season.

“SportsBoom” reported: “Sources have informed us that due to Manchester United failing to qualify for European competitions this season, Onana had to accept a salary cut. Since many people in his hometown depend on him financially, Onana is very unhappy about the decision to reduce his wages.”

At Manchester United, Onana’s base weekly wage is £120,000, which can rise to £150,000 with bonuses. Few European clubs are willing to pay such a high salary for a goalkeeper; possibly only the Saudi Professional League could offer that amount. However, Onana turned down offers from the oil-rich Saudi clubs this summer.

Trabzonspor has been covering Onana’s entire salary this season, and due to tax benefits, his actual earnings there are even higher than at Manchester United. He has played 11 matches for the club with 3 clean sheets. However, Trabzonspor cannot afford to pay the same wages plus a transfer fee to Manchester United to keep him permanently.

Now, Onana might accept a transfer to Saudi Arabia, and his career at Manchester United will definitely end next summer. “Onana has played for several well-known clubs during his career, but his recent performances have caused him to lose favor with top European teams. Saudi clubs have long been interested in him, and Manchester United hopes that the Middle Eastern clubs continue to show interest.”

Under Ten Hag’s strong insistence, Manchester United spent €50 million to sign Onana from Inter Milan, but now his market value has dropped to €20 million. If an agreement can be reached with a Saudi club, Manchester United would be happy to sell him at that price.

Manchester United’s current first-choice goalkeeper is 23-year-old Belgian international Miangue. Although he has only one clean sheet, Miangue’s performance has been relatively steady; not always outstanding but with few mistakes. Fans have noticed that the goalkeeper wearing the number 31 jersey has a red patch on his gloves with the numbers 8 and 24 on it.

Regarding this, Miangue revealed it is a tribute to his idol, the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Miangue is a big basketball fan. “No one has asked me about this before, but the numbers 8 and 24 on my gloves represent Kobe. I am very passionate about basketball, and Kobe is one of my idols. His spirit has always been a model for me. So, the numbers 8 and 24 symbolize him. Whenever I step onto the pitch and see these numbers, they instantly remind me to stay fully focused during the game. It has become a pre-match habit for me to glance at these numbers.”

Miangue added: “When I was young and growing up, I faced many challenges. I have a calm, steady, and introverted personality. Someone gave me a book called ‘The Alter Ego.’ When you step onto the field, you become a different person, as if a switch in your brain flips.”