Cameroon coach Rigobert Song’s influence key to André Onana’s move to Trabzonspor

André Onana has revealed that former Cameroon coach Rigobert Song played a decisive role in his move to Trabzonspor on loan from Manchester United this summer.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper, whose transfer surprised many, explained that Song’s advice and endorsement of the Turkish side convinced him to make the switch.

Song, a former Trabzonspor player himself, ended his career with the club between 2008 and 2010 and remains highly respected by its supporters.

According to Onana, the former Indomitable Lions coach gave nothing but positive feedback about the environment he would find in Trabzon.

I have a long-standing relationship with Rigobert Song. He was also my coach in Cameroon. He had nothing but compliments about the team, Onana told reporters during a press conference on Thursday. I’ve been here for a week. I haven’t had a chance to get to know the city well yet. I attended the celebrations the year we won the title. I can promise you one thing: my teammates and I will fight to the end. I want to tell the fans: let’s be together in good times and bad.

The Cameroonian made his debut for Trabzonspor last weekend against Fenerbahçe, though the match ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat.

Despite the result, the goalkeeper expressed optimism about his future in Turkey and the club’s prospects this season.

Several former Cameroon internationals have also commented on Onana’s decision.

Veteran goalkeeper Carlos Kameni said: This loan to Trabzonspor will do Onana good. Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik added: André Onana needs a more stable environment. Meanwhile, Joseph-Antoine Bell criticised the criticism directed at Onana during his time at Old Trafford: It’s unfair that Amorim is making Onana his scapegoat.

Onana remains under contract with Manchester United until June 2028 and is currently valued at €25m by Transfermarkt.

His annual salary is reported at €7.2m, reflecting the high expectations that have followed him throughout his career.

For now, the goalkeeper’s immediate focus is on Trabzonspor’s domestic campaign.

The club faces Gaziantep in the sixth round of the Turkish Premier League, where Onana will aim to secure his first clean sheet for his new side.

While questions linger over his long-term future at Manchester United, Onana has made clear that his priority is to regain confidence and consistency at Trabzonspor.

With Rigobert Song’s words of encouragement still fresh in his mind, the Cameroonian goalkeeper is determined to make his loan spell in Turkey a success.