Manchester United have rekindled their interest in Parma star Zion Suzuki, 18 months after missing out on signing the goalkeeper on the cheap.
The Red Devils came close to wrapping up a deal for Suzuki in 2023, even agreeing a fee with the young ‘keeper’s then club Urawa Red Diamonds.
But Andre Onana completed a move from Inter Milan to United that same summer and Suzuki opted to join Belgian outfit Sint-Truidense VV instead, fearing for his playing time at Old Trafford.
‘My dream is to play in the Premier League,’ Suzuki told Japanese Soccer Digest Web at the time.
‘It’s true that I received an offer from Manchester United but United have acquired Onana this season, so I want to play at a level where I can play.’
‘Even though I can’t go there now, I definitely want to go there in a few years. To make progress step by step, I decided to move to Belgium.’
Suzuki went on to make 32 appearances in all competitions for Sint-Truidense VV last term and earned himself an £8.5million switch to Parma, with the Japan international putting pen to paper on a five-year deal.
According to talkSPORT, Parma are determined to keep hold of Suzuki for at least another season but the shot-stopper’s impressive performances in Serie A have caught the attention of United once again.
It’s claimed United are one of a number of Europe’s top clubs ‘eyeing up’ Suzuki and could test Parma’s resolve with an offer for the promising 22-year-old.
The report suggests a bid in the region of £40m could be enough to lure Suzuki away from the Stadio Ennio Tardini.
Suzuki, who has been capped 16 times by the Japan national team, is tied into a contract with Parma until the summer of 2029.
Onana has nailed down his place as United’s number one since arriving from Inter Milan but the Cameroonian has cost the club with a series of high-profile errors throughout his stay in the north west.
Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir deputised for Onana in United’s recent FA Cup victory over Arsenal and made himself an instant hero with his display between the sticks, denying Martin Odegaard from the spot before starring in a nervy penalty shootout at the Emirates.
‘Your life as a footballer has cycles and moments, and sometimes in one week you life can change,’ Amorim said of Bayindir’s showing in north London.
‘You can see Altay. Against Tottenham, everyone was pointing the finger against Altay, and I can understand that. Today he was our hero.
‘He’s a good guy, he works a lot and life has beautiful things. A few weeks ago we were suffering through a difficult moment but now he’s like a hero for us.
‘All the players in this team who have the opportunity and they are lucky because they are playing for Manchester United.
‘It doesn’t matter if you play one game or 90 games – It’s always a joy to play for this club.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Mikel Arteta tipped to sell Arsenal star after agreeing £51m transfer deal
MORE: Pep Guardiola’s close friend reveals reason for breakup of his 30-year marriage
MORE: Arsenal dealt blow as January target makes huge transfer U-turn
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
