Manchester United keen on signing 21-year-old Japanese star in the summer

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Sint-Truiden goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The 21-year-old has been with the Jupiler Pro League side since last summer.

He initially arrived on loan from Urawa Red Diamons for six months before the deal was made permanent earlier this year. In 32 appearances across competitions, he has kept six clean sheets.

However, Suzuki could be on the move this summer, with Teansfer News Live (via Sponichisoccer) reporting that the Red Devils are set to reignite their interest in the goalkeeper, with Genoa also in the fray.

Expand Tweet

Suzuki is likely to be the No. 2, behind Andre Onana, who has established himself as the undisputed No. 1 under Erik ten Hag since arriving from Inter Milan last summer.

The 28-year-old played all of United's games across competitions bar one, keeping 13 clean sheets in 51 games. That includes nine shutouts in 38 games in the league, where the Red Devils finished a lowly eighth.

However, Ten Hag's side ended the season on a high, upsetting holders Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to remain at helm amid summer of uncertainty

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was widely reported to be given the sack after overseeing a hugely underwhelming campaign despite the FA Cup triumph to end the season.

However, The Athletic has reported that new minority owners INEOS - following an end-of-season review - decided to keep the Dutch boss at the helm. With his current deal expiring next summer, negotiations are set to be underway to extend Ten Hag's stay.

While a change at the helm was expected by many, INEOS boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United's sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford decided to keep their faith in Ten Hag for the next season and beyond.

The Dutchman had a superb debut season at Old Trafford, ending the club's six-year trophy drought, reaching the FA Cup final and returning to the UEFA Champions League after a third-placed Premier League finish.

However, amidst a string of injuries to key players, things weren't as rosy in his sophomore campaign before Ten Hag and Co. ended a difficult season on a high by denying City the chance to become the first team to win successive domestic doubles.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

Know More

Edited by Bhargav

Manchester United keen on signing 21-year-old Japanese star in the summer - Reports

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to remain at helm amid summer of uncertainty