Ajax boss admits Andre Onana transfer promise

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Andre Onana has been linked with a potential departure form Ajax in recent months, with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea both seemingly keen on the player. 

Now it appears his manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed he made promises to the Cameroonian regarding a move away from the club. 

Tottenham’s interest in Onana as a potential replacement for Hugo Lloris is long-standing. 

Back in October 2018, it was first reported by Voetbal International that Tottenham were ready to make a move for the player as they looked for long-term Lloris successors. 

The Sun then reported in November that Onana was a £35 million target for Spurs, sitting ‘top of their wish list’ when it came to Lloris replacements. 

Now, Ten Hag has admitted to Algemeen Dagblad that Onana was promised a potential move away from Ajax in the summer, but that no concrete offers had yet been made. 

“Andre is very important to us, of course we don’t want to lose him. But it is true that agreements were made last year. About the development picture and a possible step if the right club and price comes along. As far as I know, no concrete offer has been made to Ajax.” 

What does this mean for Tottenham?

Well it would appear that Onana could be available if their interest remains.

However, a lot has changed since then. Firstly, it appears Onana was a Mauricio Pochettino target. He is now gone, with Jose Mourinho instead appearing to be a fan of Mike Maignan of Lille as Lloris’s eventual successor (as reported by Le10 Sport).

Tottenham also have other more pressing matters to deal with in their first-team, including a serious issue at full-back. With finances likely to be scarce this summer, signing a long-term goalkeeper project seems a waste of resources. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea are looking to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has lost the faith of Frank Lampard this season, making Stamford Bridge a far more likely destination.