In a surprising twist, Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has reportedly rejected an enticing offer from Premier League giants Manchester United.
This development comes after the club recently acquired Andre Onana from Inter Milan for a hefty £47 million, cementing him as the new number one goalkeeper at Old Trafford.
The departure of David de Gea on a free transfer has left United without a clear backup for Onana, with veteran Tom Heaton currently filling that role.
To bolster their squad and comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, United has made the decision to cash in on Dean Henderson. However, this move has left them with limited options in their pursuit of Onana’s competition.
Numerous goalkeepers have been linked to the Theatre of Dreams, and Suzuki has emerged as one of the potential candidates.
Despite his relatively modest eight appearances in the Japanese top flight, the United States-born goalkeeper is considered to have a promising future. However, the lack of significant big-game experience has made Suzuki hesitant about joining the Premier League powerhouse.
Sources suggest that Suzuki is worried about his chances of being included in the Japan squad for the upcoming Olympics if he remains inactive on the senior football front for the next year. This fear has played a pivotal role in his decision to turn down Manchester United’s offer.
Manager Erik ten Hag’s unwillingness to rotate goalkeepers during the 2022-23 season, as De Gea remained the preferred choice for most cup fixtures, further adds to the challenge of securing a competent backup for Onana.
With United now competing in the Champions League instead of the Europa League, it is unlikely that the Dutchman will change his stance for the upcoming campaign.
Moreover, another report from the Daily Mail has revealed that United is also considering Fenerbahce’s Altay Bayindir as an alternative option.
The Turkish goalkeeper has been a regular presence between the sticks for the Istanbul-based club over the past four seasons, amassing an impressive 141 appearances in all competitions. Furthermore, Bayindir still has four years remaining on his contract, making him a viable long-term option for United.