Why Ghanaian-Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki rejected Manchester United

Urawa Reds goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, a Manchester United's target.

Why Ghanaian-Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki rejected Manchester United

Ayoola Kelechi 23:57 - 25.07.2023

Ghanaian-Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki snubbed an approach from Manchester United to stay in Japan, here is his reason why

Manchester United’s search for a second-choice goalkeeper this summer has taken a significant blow after the Red Devils were reportedly rejected by Ghanaian-Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

Manchester United chase Suzuki

With English goalkeeper Dean Henderson set to join Anthony Elanga in making a permanent move to Nottingham Forest this summer, the Red Devils have sought a replacement, with Suzuki being the club’s favourite choice.

Manchester United's Dean Henderson

Manchester United have reportedly been scouting the Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper since 2017 and were keen on bringing him to Old Trafford in a £5 million deal, but the move will not be happening this season with the 20-year-old declining a transfer to Manchester United.

A fee of £5m would have made Suzuki the most expensive signing in the history of Japan’s J-League, but the 2022 AFC Champions League winner has other ideas for his immediate future.

Suzuki snubs Manchester United for J-League stay

According to Japanese news site Sponichi, Suzuki’s main reason for turning down the move to Manchester United, was so that he could amass as much game time with Urawa Red Diamonds as possible in the coming season, rather than struggling to make his mark with the Red Devils.

Manchester United’s recent capture of Andre Onana from Inter, and their continued employment of Tom Heaton means that Suzuki could find himself as the second or third-choice goalkeeper, a situation that the 20-year-old is keen to avoid.

Zion Suzuki in action for Japan u-23

Suzuki aims to play as often as possible in the coming season, hoping that he can earn a starting berth in Japan’s squad to the 2024 Summer Olympics.

After representing Japan at U15, U16, U17, and U18 levels, Suzuki hopes to continue his development with the national team by playing at the Paris Olympics in 2024, and will need to play regularly to be in contention.

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