Onana Finds Peace in Trabzonspor: A New Chapter in His Career

Trabzonspor emerged as a surprising destination for Andre Onana. The Black Sea club, having finished seventh in the 2024–25 Super Lig and not competing in Europe this season, stands in stark contrast to the Champions League nights Onana once experienced with Ajax. Nevertheless, timing played a crucial role in this transfer. With most major European transfer windows already closed, alternatives were limited, making Turkey a more attractive option than reported interest from the Saudi Pro League. Importantly, this move allowed Onana to escape the relentless global scrutiny associated with playing for Manchester United, particularly during a challenging period for the club. The relatively low profile of the Turkish league provided him with an opportunity to focus on his game in peace.

Financially, the deal was enticing, with reports indicating that appearance and performance bonuses could potentially double his salary from United, further sweetening the transition.

Onana has swiftly acclimatized to his new environment. In a club-produced video titled “A Day in the Life of Andre Onana,” the 28-year-old expressed a level of freedom rarely seen during his tenure in England.

“I’m very happy, trust me,” he remarked. “I’m living the best period of my life. I can’t complain; I’m very happy to be here.”

He shared anecdotes about engaging with fans, recounting moments when supporters stop him for photographs while he’s driving. “Sometimes I’m driving and a car cuts in front of me. ‘Onana, stop, I want a photo.’ I think to myself, ‘Yes, but we can do this in another way.’ But when they see me, they’re happy, and so am I. It was difficult at first, but now I understand. They are my people, I love them, and I cherish this feeling. Their passion is wonderful. It’s something indescribable if you’re not here. My time spent here has been perfect for me. It’s a different lifestyle, but it’s great. Truly incredible, amazing.”

Despite being in Trabzon for less than six months, Onana’s influence has already been felt within the club. According to reports, the management has communicated to his representatives that they would be open to extending his loan beyond the current agreement. His impact off the pitch has been noted, with Onana emerging as a vocal leader in the dressing room and adapting seamlessly to his new surroundings. Such recognition suggests that he is regaining the confidence and authority that seemed to diminish during his time at United.

In contrast to other loan arrangements from United, Onana’s move to Trabzonspor does not contain an obligation or option to buy. This differs from the loan deals of players like Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli, which includes a £38m ($51m) obligation, or Marcus Rashford’s loan to Barcelona, with a £26m ($35m) option in place. Currently, if Trabzonspor wishes to retain Onana beyond June 2026, fresh negotiations would need to commence. This uncertainty creates a dual-edged scenario: a strong season could raise Onana’s market value beyond Trabzonspor’s financial reach, given that their record transfer fee is below €7m, while a dip in form could hinder United’s ability to secure a fair price in the summer market.

United’s agreement to acquire Onana from Inter in 2023 was valued at up to £47.2m ($64m), a sum now unlikely to be fully recouped. His time in Manchester was marred by high-profile errors and intense scrutiny, overshadowing the attributes that once made him a pivotal figure in Erik ten Hag’s strategy. However, Trabzonspor has provided him with the respite he lacked in Manchester—a space to breathe, play, and enjoy football once more. While the intensity of Turkish supporters remains high, it is rooted more in collective passion than in relentless judgment.