Andre Onana’s agent has revealed that Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were interested in him prior to his summer move to Man Utd.
The Cameroon international completed his move from Inter Milan to Man Utd earlier this month. He could end up costing the Premier League giants a total fee of around £47m.
The 27-year-old has been recruited as David De Gea’s long-term replacement. Following extended talks with Man Utd over a new contract, the Spain international ended up leaving the club when his deal expired earlier this summer.
Onana previously worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax and he shone for Champions League finalists Inter Milan in 2022/23.
United’s new shot-stopper suits De Gea’s preferred style more than De Gea so he is expected to be a great signing for the Red Devils.
And his agent – Albert Botines – has now confirmed that Chelsea and Tottenham were also plotting swoops for him before his switch to Old Trafford was finalised.
“It all started a few months ago,” Botines said in an interview with Italian outlet Calciomercato.
“Around April many people enquired about the player. Tottenham asked for information, Chelsea had a very strong interest.
“There were meetings in London and Chelsea had also met with Inter, but the figure of Ten Hag was key.
“We are looking forward to facing great coaches like [Pep] Guardiola and trying to win titles with Manchester United. We have a great desire.”
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Chelsea remain in the market for a new goalkeeper and they are being linked with Leeds United’s Illan Meslier. Tottenham meanwhile have spent around £17m to sign Guglielmo Vicario from Serie A side Empoli.
After his move to Man Utd was completed, Onana insisted that he will “give everything to create his own legacy in the coming years”.
“To join Manchester United is an incredible honour and I have worked hard all my life to get to this moment, overcoming many obstacles along the way,” Onana said.
“Walking out at Old Trafford to defend our goal and contribute to the team will be another amazing experience. This is the start of a new journey for me, with new teammates and new ambitions to fight for.
“Manchester United has a long history of incredible goalkeepers, and I will now give everything to create my own legacy in the coming years.
“I am excited by the opportunity to work again with Erik ten Hag, and I can’t wait to play my part in the success I know he is determined to deliver at this great football club.”
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