Manchester United’s defence is undergoing an overhaul this summer but it was the goalkeeping department that underwent an open heart surgery last summer.
Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir came in and out went David de Gea and Dean Henderson as it became a unique summer where they club changed both, the No. 1 and No. 2.
Amidst the hoopla of signing Onana before it was eventually agreed, United had almost settled on signing a player that many hadn’t heard of.
It reminded many of the signings of the likes of Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic, who weren’t well-known quantities but became legends at Old Trafford.
Now, that player has started trending upwards and United could be forced to think in a few years about the age-old question- “What could have been?”
Zion Suzuki moves to Parma
Manchester United were strongly linked with Zion Suzuki of Japan last season in a move that came out of nowhere.
Understandably, the fans reacted with trepidation, as replacing a club legend in De Gea with a teenager who wasn’t even established in Japan was a gamble, to put it lightly.
However, in an unexpected twist, it was Suzuki who had clarity on his prospects and readiness, as he snubbed United’s riches and moved to Belgian side St Truidense VV.
It was completely out of the left field but showed maturity in Suzuki as he mapped out his career with perfection, recognising his own ability at the time.
Now, that gamble has paid off, as he has leveraged a great first, and only season in Belgian to earn himself a move to a top-five European league, joining Serie A side Parma.
So good was he in Belgian that Thorsten Fink, the St Truidense coach at the time, called him “one of the world’s greatest talents in his position”, as per Walfoot.
He can expect to be severely tested as this is Parma’s first season back in the top flight after promotion in the 2023/24 season, so they will start most games as underdogs.
One for the future?
Suzuki’s career trajectory is worth following and it would be remiss of United if they don’t pick up the trail of their interest.
In fact, the interest shown in him last summer could stand to benefit the club, as they were the first elite side to recognise his talent and make a move for him.
That show of confidence could make United the favourites if Suzuki decides he is now ready for the big leagues and bright lights of elite clubs.
Of course, he has got a tough season with Parma to negotiate first but if he keeps up his upward trajectory from last season and translates it to Serie A then the interest in him will increase further.
When that happens, United have to be at the front of queue, regardless of Onana’s status at the club, that’s how good Suzuki can be.
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