Andriy Lunin: How Real Madrid star helped Man United agree Onana deal

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is set to join Trabzonspor on a season-long loan.

Ruben Amorim sent a clear message to Onana that he is no longer guaranteed a starting spot by dropping him in favour of Altay Bayındır in the Premier League.

United also signed Royal Antwerp’s goalkeeping sensation Senne Lammens on deadline day, pushing the Cameroonian further down the pecking order.

Trabzonspor have been quick to pounce on the opportunity, striking an agreement with United to sign their €55m man on a season-long loan.

The Super Lig outfit are not paying any loan fee, and the agreed deal doesn’t include any option or obligation to buy the ex-Inter Milan star at the end of the campaign.

However, The Athletic report that Trabzonspor will cover his salary in full, helping United trim their wage bill. It is understood the 29-year-old will earn almost double in Turkey.

The Turkish side began their search for a new goalkeeper after selling their captain Uğurcan Çakır to Galatasaray, and a report in Spain suggests Onana wasn’t their preferred target.

According to Defensa Central , Trabzonspor approached Real Madrid to explore the possibility of signing Andriy Lunin a week ago.

However, the Ukrainian refused to depart Santiago Bernabeu, as he was not keen on playing in Turkey. This prompted Trabzonspor to make a move for Onana.

The 26-year-old is Thibaut Courtois’ understudy under Xabi Alonso. Still, he is not pushing for a move away in search of regular minutes.

Early in the summer, United were also linked with Lunin before making Lammens their priority target for the position.

The Belgian joins the Red Devils in a deal worth around €25m, including add-ons.

Featured image Angel Martinez via Getty Images

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