Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Everton midfielder Amadou Onana could blossom into a “really, really good player” if he joins a leading Premier League side like Man United in the next week.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Red Devils may not be able to meet the 22-year-old’s likely “£60million” asking price without selling players.
According to The Guardian (14 August), Man United have approached Everton about a potential deal for Onana in the final days of the window.
The report claims Erik ten Hag is keen to add more midfield reinforcements amid concerns about his side’s lack of physicality.
Following last week’s (19 August) 2-0 away defeat at Tottenham, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was among those to claim that Casemiro “couldn’t cope” and “looks exposed” in the Man United midfield.
Onana, who only joined Everton last summer (2022) for a reported fee of £33million, had a mixed debut season in the Premier League as his side only just avoided relegation.
The six-cap Belgium international made 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring once and providing two assists.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I do like Onana.
“But it’s difficult when you’re in a team that isn’t performing.
“If you put him in a good team, you’d probably see a really, really good player come through.
“But it’s apparent that Man United need to sell players to bring any in.
“Is that going to be a problem when Onana is likely to cost around £60million?”
Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire have been widely linked with moves away as Ten Hag looks to raise funds for his own transfer business in the remainder of the window.
United are next in action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday (26 August).
In other news, Man United make move for 29-year-old Wolves star.
