Chelsea urged to consider signing Manchester United outcast Andre Onana
By Joel Masibo, August 15, 2026Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune has encouraged Chelsea to explore a move for goalkeeper Andre Onana during the summer transfer window.
Chelsea have already committed more than £300 million (Ksh52.5 billion) to their squad since appointing Xabi Alonso, bringing in more than 10 players. However, the London club have not yet recruited a replacement for goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who has departed, meaning Robert Sanchez could remain their first-choice option.
Fortune backs Onana for Chelsea
Onana is currently outside Manchester United’s plans and has returned to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on another season-long loan for the 2026-27 campaign. The agreement does not include a permanent purchase option, while his United contract remains valid until June 2028.
Fortune believes the Cameroon international could offer Chelsea valuable qualities, particularly with the ball at his feet.
Speaking in an interview, the former United player said: “Andre Onana could be an asset to Chelsea, Newcastle United or Aston Villa in the Premier League. You can see the quality for playing out from the back as many managers now want with their style of football, he can be your starting point.
“When you’ve got a goalkeeper like Onana who can ping a ball 50, 60 yards to your striker or midfielder and break the lines with his passes, that can make a huge difference, and he’s one of the best at it. He just needs to find his confidence again now because when a goalkeeper makes a mistake, unfortunately the whole world sees it. I hope he can get back to his best because when you need a goalkeeper to play out from the back, he can be outstanding.”
Fortune praises Chelsea’s experienced signings
Fortune also discussed Chelsea’s decision to bring Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The former South Africa international said he would have preferred Welbeck to return to Manchester United, but he praised Alonso for adding experienced figures to the Chelsea squad.
Fortune added: “Xabi Alonso made some good signings for Chelsea this summer, but I wish we could have seen Danny Welbeck return to Manchester United. By signing Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, he wants to bring in some leaders to set good examples, which you need at a club like Chelsea, especially after the experience Alonso had at Real Madrid.
“He’s looked at the Chelsea dressing room, felt that it was lacking something, and brought in the players with the right personalities and experience to make a difference in Henderson and Welbeck. They are not only top, top players but great professionals too.”
Chelsea face Fulham in Premier League opener
Chelsea will begin their Premier League campaign with a London derby against Fulham on Monday, August 24, 2026.
The fixture will provide an early examination of Alonso’s tactical approach as he attempts to improve a Chelsea side that ended last season in 10th position.
With several new arrivals needing to settle into the team, deciding who will occupy the goalkeeper position is also expected to be an important issue for Chelsea before the new campaign gets underway.