Zion Suzuki earned himself a permanent move to Sint-Truiden with the Japan international goalkeeper shining in Belgium after turning down a summer switch to Premier League giants Manchester United.
The sight of Altay Bayindir making his first Red Devils appearance after six months of waiting will not have put many doubts in Zion Suzuki’s mind, the highly-rated shot-stopper deciding against the chance to join Erik ten Hag’s side before Manchester United struck a deal with Fenerbahce instead.
Bayindir, after all, only featured against fourth-tier Newport County in the FA Cup because Andre Onana was otherwise engaged, on African Cup of Nations duty.
Suzuki, in contrast, is closing in on 20 appearances for Sint-Truiden, his stand-out performances meaning it felt like ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ the Jupiler League outfit would trigger the purchase clause in his contract.
Zion Suzuki rejected Manchester United
“I am happy with the playing opportunities in the first half of the season,” explains Suzuki, who admitted that concerns over his game time was a reason behind his decision to rebuff Man United’s advances.
“’As a young goalkeeper, I realize that I still have to take steps and make progress. Therefore, I will work harder than ever to improve myself and contribute to the club’s success.”
Daniel Schmidt, after coming up against Suzuki in Belgium for Gent, is in no doubt that STVV have a goalkeeper with ‘immense potential’ at their disposal. One who could ‘make waves in the Premier League’ in the near future.
One suspects Man United will continue to keep tabs on his development, especially with opportunities few and far between for Bayindir while Andre Onana struggles to convince under Erik ten Hag.
Japan goalkeeper earns permanent Belgium move
“Zion is now our first-choice goalkeeper. He is considered one of the greatest talents in the world at his position, and we need to polish him,” Sint-Truiden coach Thorsten Fink says of his rough diamond, via Walfoot.
“Zion chose STVV because he could achieve the status of first goalkeeper. We keep those promises. He is still young and will make mistakes every now and then. However, everyone sees that he has a lot of talent.
“That’s why he could have gone to Manchester United.”
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