Andre Onana has earned the nickname “The Wall” at Trabzonspor after producing another stunning display in goal to inspire a 2-0 win over Eyupsor in the Turkish Super Lig.
The Manchester United loanee, who left Old Trafford under a cloud of criticism, is quickly re-establishing himself as one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers.
Redemption in Turkey: From Old Trafford pressure to Trabzonspor’s hero
Onana’s move to Trabzonspor raised eyebrows. The Cameroonian shot-stopper traded the glare of Manchester for the calm of Turkey’s northern coast after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim.
Once replaced by Altay Bayindir and then Senne Lammens, his confidence was in ruins. But since joining Trabzonspor last month, he has found both form and peace of mind.
Against Eyupsor, Onana was impenetrable, making four key saves while completing 86% of his passes.
His composure and distribution drew cheers from the home crowd, who chanted his name throughout the game. The club later celebrated his performance with a social media graphic calling him “The Wall.”
In an earlier game against Gaziantep, Onana showed his trademark sweeper-keeper style, providing a stunning assist for Paul Onuachu to score.
His leadership and charisma have also made him a dressing-room figurehead, with reports from Turkey describing him as an influential voice among younger players.
Uncertain future: Trabzonspor want to keep him beyond loan deal
Trabzonspor’s management has expressed interest in retaining Onana beyond his current loan, which runs until June 2026.
However, Manchester United did not include an option-to-buy clause in the deal. With the Turkish club’s record signing standing at just €7 million, a permanent move could prove financially difficult, especially if Onana’s value continues to rise with his current form.
Sources close to the player say money is not his main motivation; it’s about redemption.
After a turbulent spell in England, Onana is focused on proving he can still perform at the highest level.
“I’ve never felt so much love from people around me,” Onana said upon arrival in Trabzon. “I want to give back that love on the field. I’m always ready, this is a new adventure, and I’m very happy to be here.”
