Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to move to Barcelona during the summer, as reported by RMC Sport.
[freshpress-poll id=”251284″]
The 23-year-old, who came through La Masia, opted to stay in Amsterdam, feeling it wasn’t the right time to relocate to the Camp Nou:
André Onana (Ajax, former La Masia): “Barça was very interested in my return last summer, but I didn’t think it was the right time.” [rmc] pic.twitter.com/6CcMwyqx5j
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 22, 2019
Many Barcelona fans have shown understanding about why Onana made the choice he did, citing the fact that last year’s backup goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen, was only used 11 times throughout the campaign, as per Transfermarkt.
In comparison, Onana played a total of 55 games, helping Ajax to the Eredivisie title, KNVB Beker victory, and Champions League semi-final.
With the likelihood of him usurping Marc-Andre ter Stegen very slim, even Barca fans can see that it would likely be a drop for him to go to their club and sit on the bench for most of the time.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the comment, including posts from understanding Barcelona fans, can be seen below:
He did well declining that offer its much better to stay in ajax playing regular football
— CP-05 (@Ben_Beckmann090) October 22, 2019
He knows who our coach is. I would say we should have pre agreement of him joining 2-3 years later when Ter Stegen ready to leave. Rn no coach would pick him ahead of Ter Stegen.
— Muza ® (@DhardBarca) October 22, 2019
The whole world saw how baldly EV treated Cillerson. Only mostly playing him in Cup games.
EV driving many good players away from Barca— Quality gets my money (@Vgamesandsports) October 22, 2019
He’s 23, a keeper his age needs continuous playing time if he wants to develop all the time, so it’s only fair he stayed.
— Malik Sharfo (@MalikSharfo) October 22, 2019
Good choice from Onana.
Being the primary keeper in a resurging Ajax is much better than being a secondary keeper at Declining Barcelona— D (@Dpk_Kh) October 22, 2019
Barcelona fans, would you like to see Onana move to your club? Join the discussion by commenting below…
