Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune has suggested that Chelsea should consider a move for goalkeeper Andre Onana. Fortune believes the Cameroonian international could be a valuable asset for the Premier League club, highlighting his distribution skills as particularly suited to modern football tactics.
Onana, who is currently on a second consecutive season-long loan at Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor for the 2026-27 campaign, remains under contract with Manchester United until June 2028. His loan agreement with Trabzonspor does not include an option for a permanent transfer.
Onana’s Qualities and Current Situation
Speaking to Premier Bet, Fortune emphasised Onana’s ability to play out from the back, a quality increasingly sought after by top English clubs. He noted that Onana possesses exceptional distribution, capable of delivering long passes to break opposition lines and initiate attacks. Fortune stated that a goalkeeper like Onana, who can accurately ping a ball 50 or 60 yards to a striker or midfielder, can make a significant difference to a team’s build-up play.
Fortune acknowledged that Onana needs to regain his confidence, as goalkeeping mistakes are often highly visible. He expressed hope that Onana could return to his best form, describing him as “outstanding” when a team requires a goalkeeper who can effectively play out from the back. Fortune suggested that Onana could be an asset not only to Chelsea but also to Newcastle United or Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Despite Fortune’s recommendation, Onana’s current loan spell at Trabzonspor for the 2026-27 season complicates any immediate transfer to Chelsea. This arrangement indicates that he is not currently part of Manchester United’s immediate first-team plans, meaning Chelsea would need an unexpected change to the existing loan agreement to pursue him this summer.
Chelsea’s Summer Activity and Goalkeeper Search
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Chelsea has been active in the summer transfer window, with spending exceeding £300 million to bring in over ten new players. However, the club has yet to sign a new goalkeeper following Filip Jorgensen’s departure. This leaves Robert Sanchez as the likely candidate to retain the starting spot for the upcoming season.
Fortune also commented on Chelsea’s other summer acquisitions, including Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson. He praised Alonso’s strategy of bringing in experienced leaders to the Stamford Bridge dressing room. Fortune mentioned that he had wished Manchester United had re-signed Welbeck, but he commended Alonso for identifying a need for strong personalities and experience within the Chelsea squad, especially given Alonso’s own experience at Real Madrid.
Fortune believes that Welbeck and Henderson are not only top players but also great professionals who can set positive examples. He suggested that Alonso assessed the Chelsea dressing room and sought players with the right personalities and experience to make a difference, thereby addressing a perceived lack within the squad.
Upcoming Season and Priorities
Chelsea is set to begin their Premier League campaign with a West London derby against Fulham on August 24. This opening fixture will provide an early test for Alonso’s tactical approach as he aims to revitalise a team that finished 10th last season.
Integrating the numerous new signings and definitively resolving the primary goalkeeper position are identified as critical priorities for Chelsea as the new season approaches. The club’s ongoing search for a goalkeeper highlights the importance of this role in Alonso’s plans for the team.
Fortune’s insights underscore the tactical importance of a goalkeeper’s distribution in modern football, a quality he believes Onana possesses in abundance. The former midfielder’s comments provide a perspective on potential targets for Chelsea as they continue to shape their squad for the upcoming campaign.
Chelsea’s first Premier League match of the season is scheduled for August 24 against Fulham.
Source: goal.com
