The Athletic reported this week that Onana has not given up hope of returning to United and could feature in their pre-season tour. However, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has made clear that United have moved on, describing it as a "surprise" if Onana remains at the club next season, having been thoroughly impressed by Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens since his arrival on transfer deadline day last summer.
Onana joined United from Inter Milan for £47million in July 2023 as the successor to David de Gea, but two disrupted seasons marked by costly errors led to his loan departure to Trabzonspor last September. He left after a Carabao Cup humiliation against Grimsby Town cemented the view that a clean break was necessary.
In Turkey, he has rediscovered his form. He made 26 appearances for Trabzonspor, keeping six clean sheets and producing a standout performance in the Turkish Cup against Samsunspor — saving three penalties to help his side reach the semi-final. Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan confirmed publicly the club want him to stay.
"We like him. If the right conditions are in place, we would like him to stay. The final decision will be Onana's."
However, United's asking price — which far exceeds what a Turkish club can offer — effectively rules out a permanent deal with Trabzonspor. Reports in Italy suggest Onana's representatives have held talks with Inter, where he remains a popular figure and the club are seeking a long-term successor to veteran Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Meanwhile, journalist Mustafa Krataş reported that Onana has privately told those close to him he wishes to remain in Turkey next season — a statement that sits in some tension with The Athletic's report about his pre-season intentions.
Onana remains contracted to United until June 2028. At £40million, they are asking for close to what they paid for him three years ago — an optimistic valuation the market will quickly test.