Manchester United
Premier League • England
Man Utd transfer collapses, as indisputable reason why Ten Hag target won’t join emerges
Man Utd have seen a bid for a cost-effective signing turned down, and why any improved bids are destined to fail has been revealed.
All manner of positions have and will continue to come under the microscope during the summer window at Old Trafford. However, it’s the goalkeeping department that may see the most movement.
Indeed, David de Gea has departed as a free agent and a deal to sell Nathan Bishop to Sunderland has reportedly been agreed.
Elsewhere, Dean Henderson is in talks over re-joining Nottingham Forest, while Tom Heaton is a wanted man at Luton Town.
As such, one and more probably two new back-ups to Andre Onana are required. To that end, Fabrizio Romano reported in mid-July that Man Utd were in talks over the signing of Zion Suzuki.
The 20-year-old Japan international plays for Urawa Red Diamonds and has reportedly been on United’s radar long before Ten Hag took charge.
According to Japanese outlet Sponichi, United firmed up their interest which left Suzuki ‘shaken’ in a good way.
However, when United lodged a reported £5m bid, Suzuki made it clear he does not want to move.
Explaining why, it’s revealed he’s determined to feature regularly next season to ensure he’s included in Japan’s squad for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
If moving to Man Utd, Suzuki would serve merely as Onana’s back-up and would thus be at risk of being usurped for his country.
With international ambitions at the forefront of his mind, it’s clear a transfer – at least in this window – will not happen.
The only viable workaround would see Suzuki join Man Utd then return to Urawa Red Diamonds on loan for a season. However, that would leave Ten Hag a keeper short for the upcoming campaign and require another signing to be made.
While it’s not out of the question the deal is revisited 12 months from now, a move this summer appears dead in the water.