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Manchester United have yet to settle on a clear decision regarding Andre Onana’s long-term role, as the club continues weighing their options in the transfer market. Supporters have grown aware that the signing of a new goalkeeper is far from guaranteed, but circumstances could change depending on how swiftly United wrap up their pursuits of a striker and a midfielder. Should those moves be finalised in the coming weeks, the club may then shift their focus towards reinforcing the goalkeeping position.
INEOS already tested the waters earlier this month by approaching Aston Villa with an audacious attempt to secure Emiliano Martinez on loan. Unsurprisingly, Villa dismissed the idea without hesitation. Their vice-captain remains under contract until 2029, and the Midlands club would demand a replacement before entertaining the departure of such a pivotal figure. Sources suggest Villa value him around £40 million, which has forced United to pause their immediate interest in the Argentine, at least for now.
For Martinez himself, temptation exists. Fabrizio Romano reported that the World Cup winner would have been open to a call from United, after five standout years at Villa Park. A deal of that size, however, would have major consequences for Onana. Any move for Martinez would require United to sanction the sale of their current goalkeeper, and the Cameroonian would likely prefer an exit rather than accept a role as backup to one of the Premier League’s most established shot-stoppers.
Opportunities may be available for Onana if such a scenario unfolds. MailSport claim the 28-year-old, who cost United £47 million in 2023, is attracting concrete interest from Monaco and Saudi Pro League newcomers FC Neom. Journalist Chris Wheeler has also suggested the uncertainty could drag on until the final days of the summer window, leaving Onana’s future in limbo well into August.
Elsewhere in the market, United are accelerating their chase for Benjamin Sesko, though they now face serious competition from Newcastle. The Slovenian forward has long been identified by the Red Devils as the ideal profile to lead their attack, particularly after the club failed to secure other targets such as Viktor Gyökeres, Victor Osimhen, Hugo Ekitike and Liam Delap. Recruitment chief Christopher Vivell is believed to be driving the move, even though manager Ruben Amorim reportedly favours a striker with Premier League experience, someone like Ollie Watkins.
Newcastle, however, have wasted little time in making their intentions known. Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie confirmed the Magpies have lodged an official offer worth approximately £70 million, with the package structured as £65.5m plus £4.3m in add-ons. This came in response to growing concerns about Alexander Isak’s willingness to push for a departure, leaving Newcastle eager to line up a direct replacement. Their proposal has now raised the stakes in what could become one of the window’s defining battles.
United, in contrast, remain hindered by their finances. While they have contacted RB Leipzig to express interest, they lack the immediate resources to formalise a bid. The ball now lies in Sesko’s court. He is said to be open to either destination, weighing up whether to wait for United to resolve their accounts or accept Newcastle’s proposal, which offers Champions League football next season.
For United, much work remains before they can launch such an expensive operation. Although Marcus Rashford has already been sent to Barcelona, several players still sit on the books at Carrington, including Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia. Until sales are completed, the pursuit of Sesko could remain stalled, leaving Newcastle in pole position to secure the highly rated striker.
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