Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of completing a shocking transfer move for Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The 20-year-old, who currently plays for Urawa Red Diamonds, has caught the attention of United scouts since 2017. It is now being reported that the Premier League side is ready to make him the most expensive signing in the history of the J League.
According to Sponichi, negotiations between United and Urawa are progressing smoothly, with a transfer believed to be imminent. United has already made a formal offer of £5 million for Suzuki, surpassing the £4.5 million fee that Celtic paid to sign Kyogo Furuhashi earlier this year.
Although Suzuki has represented Japan at various youth levels, he is yet to make his debut for the senior national team. This season, he has made five starts in cup competitions, as veteran goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa remains the first-choice option for Urawa.
United’s goalkeeper situation remains uncertain, with the club potentially needing to bring in two new options this summer. David de Gea’s contract expired last week, leaving him a free agent. While discussions are ongoing to extend his stay at Old Trafford, it would likely be on reduced terms.
Manager Erik ten Hag has indicated that de Gea may not be his first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season, with United pursuing Andre Onana from Ajax. The club has reportedly made a bid of £39 million, including add-ons, although Inter Milan is holding out for closer to £45 million.
In the event that de Gea does not re-sign, United may also require a backup option. Jack Butland, who was loaned to the club in the second half of last season, has now joined Rangers, while Tom Heaton has been offered first-team opportunities at newly-promoted Luton Town.
Overall, Manchester United appears to be closing in on a surprising move for Zion Suzuki, with negotiations progressing smoothly. If the transfer goes through, it would make Suzuki the most expensive signing in J League history. However, the club’s goalkeeper situation remains uncertain, and it is still unclear who will be between the posts for United next season.
