Who cares about the buyout clause? Trabzon wants to keep Onana

Trabzonspor have made it clear to Andre Onana’s representatives that they want to keep him beyond this season — even though his loan from Manchester United doesn’t include a purchase option, SunSport reports.

The Cameroonian goalkeeper has quickly made an impression in Turkey, recording two clean sheets in his first four appearances. Head coach Fatih Tekke has been particularly pleased with Onana’s composure, leadership, and how seamlessly he’s settled into the squad and local environment.

Although SunSport confirms there is no buy option or obligation in the loan agreement, Trabzonspor are eager to open formal talks with United about a permanent transfer once the season ends.

The Super Lig side already pay Onana a salary higher than the 120 thousand pounds per week he earned at Old Trafford, meaning personal terms would not pose a problem. The main question is whether Manchester United would be willing to part ways permanently — or at least recover part of the 47 million pounds they spent to bring him from Inter Milan in 2023.

Currently sitting second in the Turkish Super Lig, Trabzonspor are hoping to turn their strong start into a genuine title push.

New man Onana assisted for Trabzonspor's goal

Since his arrival, Onana has also restructured his personal life. He opted not to move his entire family to Turkey; his wife returned to Manchester with their children, while he kept a small, tight-knit group around him to focus solely on football. That decision already seems to be paying off — he recently showcased his trademark passing range with a stunning 60-yard assist against Gaziantep.

Last season, Onana finished as United’s number one goalkeeper and even started in the Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao. But an injury early in pre-season reportedly frustrated some members of United’s hierarchy.

Missing the pre-season tour cost him his starting spot, as new manager Ruben Amorim turned to Altay Bayindir. When Onana finally got a chance in the League Cup clash with Grimsby Town, a major mistake on a cross led directly to a goal — and sealed his fate.

That match convinced the club to move for Royal Antwerp keeper Senne Lammens.

According to SunSport, Onana and United eventually agreed that a year away — where he could play regularly and rediscover his confidence — was the best path forward for all parties.