Manchester United rejected by 20-year-old transfer target

The Red Devils have seen a transfer target slip through their fingers

August 07, 2023 at 12:07 pm GMT+1

Manchester United have been turned down by 20-year-old transfer target Zion Suzuki, with the Japan goalkeeper now expected to sign for Belgian side STVV instead.

The Red Devils were on the hunt for a new goalkeeper despite the arrival of Andre Onana, with a no.2 option still on their agenda this summer. David De Gea left the club as a free agent, while Dean Henderson is expected to join Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal.

This leaves just Tom Heaton, who was third choice last season, and Erik ten Hag’s side had identified young Suzuki as their top choice to fill the gap in their squad.

The youngster, however, felt differently.

Frankfurt, Deutschland. 24th Mar, 2023. goalchance Jessic NGANKAM (GER), action, duels versus goalwart Zion SUZUKI (JPN). penalty area scene. Soccer Laenderspiel, U21, Germany - Japan 2-2 on March 24th, 2023, PSD Arena Frankfurt ? Credit: dpa/Alamy Live N 2PH0230 Frankfurt, Deutschland. 24th Mar, 2023. goalchance Jessic NGANKAM (GER), action, duels versus goalwart Zion SUZUKI (JPN). penalty area scene. Soccer Laenderspiel, U21, Germany - Japan 2-2 on March 24th, 2023, PSD Arena Frankfurt ? Credit: dpa/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)

As per the Manchester Evening News, ‘it is understood United agreed a fee with Urawa Red Diamonds for Suzuki but he favoured a move to the Belgian Pro League side’.

They added that any deal was very much with the future in mind, and that ‘United felt Suzuki, 20, needed two more years before he was ready to have an impact in the Premier League.’

Ten Hag’s side remain on the hunt for a new goalkeeper, but are expected to leave a decision until later in the transfer window. At present, they are looking at shifting the likes of Fred and Donny van de Beek in order to create space for another midfielder to their ranks, with Sofyan Amrabat believed to be their no.1 target as things stand.

United kick off their season next Monday with a home tie against Wolves, but will be without new signing Rasmus Hojlund, who is yet to fully recover from an injury picked up ahead of his move to the club.