Zion Suzuki has revealed why he turned down a sensational move to Manchester United in the summer, despite claiming it is his “dream” to play in the Premier League.
United manager Erik ten Hag underwent a summer clearout of his squad, including club hero David de Gea leaving Old Trafford at the end of last season.
De Gea seemed almost certain to commit his future to the club ahead of his contract expiring on 1st July, but talks over a new United deal for the Spaniard broke down.
Dean Henderson was also axed by Ten Hag as the England international completed a £15m transfer, plus £5m in add-ons, to Crystal Palace on a five-year deal.
Ten Hag was reunited with former Ajax star Andre Onana in the summer after United paid £43.8m, including £3.4m in potential add-ons, to Inter Milan.
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Why Suzuki rejected United
Suzuki emerged as a summer target for Ten Hag, who wanted the Japan international as an option between the sticks alongside Onana and Tom Heaton.
J1 League side Urawa Red Diamonds appeared open to selling Suzuki and United reportedly tabled a ‘formal offer’ of £5m for the 21-year-old shot-stopper.
However, a move for Ten Hag’s preferred No 2 failed to materialise and Suzuki completed a loan transfer to Belgian side Sint-Truidense instead.
Speaking to Belgian outlet VoetbalBelgie (via The Daily Express), Suzuki revealed that he wasn’t keen on the idea of playing second fiddle to Onana at United.
“My dream is to play in the Premier League,” he said.
“It is true that I have 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 if I can’t go there [Premier League] now, I definitely want to go there in a few years. To progress step by step, I decided to move to Belgium.”
Ten Hag manages to land Bayindir
Despite missing out on Suzuki in the summer, Ten Hag was not left short of back-up options for Onana after completing his acquisition of Altay Bayindir.
Bayindir, who is the first Turkish player to represent United, completed a deadline-day move to Old Trafford after leaving Fenerbahce for a £4.3m transfer fee.
The 25-year-old Turkey international could be called upon by Ten Hag in cup competitions, as well as challenging Heaton for the No 2 spot behind Onana.
Ten Hag will also need to rely on his back-up options later on in the season if Onana chooses to represent Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024.
Suzuki might have closed the doors on a United move in the summer, but at 21 years old, the Urawa Reds player will benefit from playing more first-team minutes.
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