Manchester United may turn to Zion Suzuki to replace Altay Bayindir next season
Manchester United never lost interest in Sint-Truidense V.V goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and are contemplating returning for him this summer, journalist Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT.
After long-term custodian David de Gea’s departure from Old Trafford in the summer of 2023, Manchester United splashed the cash to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan. The exits of on-loan shot-stoppers Jack Butland and Martin Dubravka meant signing just Onana was not sufficient; the club required a renovation in the entire goalkeeping department.
In came Altay Bayindir from Galatasaray to act as Onana’s back-up, after the Red Devils were reportedly rejected by Japanese Zion Suzuki. Heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford, the 21-year-old opted to join Sint-Truidense V.V on loan from Urawa Red Diamonds instead of Manchester United last summer to enjoy regular game time, before his move was made permanent by the Belgian club in February.
Now, Dean Jones claims Zion Suzuki would only be tempted to move to Manchester United provided he is the first-choice goalkeeper under Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils, who could lose Altay Bayindir after just one season, could potentially face an obstacle if they decide to revive their interest in Suzuki.
“United have never lost interest in the player so it does not surprise me to see new stories about them wanting him,” Jones told GIVEMESPORT.
“The problem is he does not fancy sitting on the bench playing second fiddle to Onana and there really is no sign that Onana is going anywhere soon.
“He has said he would like to test himself in the Premier League but if he said ‘no’ to United a year ago then I don’t see why that would change now, because he still wants to be a number one. And one position not up for grabs this season is United’s first choice keeper.”
After a rocky start to his debut Premier League season, Onana settled down in the second half of the season and played a pivotal role in helping Man United lift the FA Cup in May. With INEOS keeping their faith in Ten Hag, the Cameroonian shot-stopper’s status as undisputed No.1 is unlikely to change next season.
However, Bayindir is now being linked with an exit after making just a solitary appearance in his maiden campaign for the Red Devils. Scottish giants Celtic are planning to lure the Turkey international to Parkhead by offering him a long-term contract and the No.1 spot in Brendan Rodgers’ first XI.
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Should Bayindir leave, Man United will require a back-up goalkeeper to cover and compete with Onana next season. Links with Suzuki have re-emerged, but with Onana likely to retain his No.1 spot, signing the talented Japanese could prove difficult as he wants to play regularly and fulfil his huge potential.
