OFFER ACCEPTED ✅️: Man United’s Swap Deal Offer Has Been Accepted as Onana Replacement Says YES to Man United’s Move
Manchester United’s summer rebuild has taken a major leap forward as the club’s swap deal offer has officially been accepted for a new goalkeeper, with the replacement for André Onana giving the green light to join the Red Devils. The move, which has taken many by surprise, could bring a swift end to speculation surrounding the club’s goalkeeping situation after a turbulent 2024/25 campaign for the Cameroonian international.
According to top-tier sources, Manchester United submitted a player-plus-cash swap offer earlier this week to secure the services of a highly rated European shot-stopper. After days of negotiations, the offer has been accepted by the selling club, and the goalkeeper—who had been weighing his options—has now agreed personal terms and said “YES” to the move to Old Trafford.
This development could mark a major turning point for United’s defensive line as they continue a ruthless reshaping of their squad under manager Ruben Amorim and INEOS director Sir Dave Brailsford.
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The Goalkeeper Situation: Why Change Was Needed
André Onana arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2023 for a fee of around £47 million, brought in from Inter Milan to replace long-time No.1 David De Gea. While Onana was praised for his ball-playing ability and confidence in distribution, his debut season in the Premier League was inconsistent at best.
Despite flashes of brilliance and crucial saves in big matches, Onana also endured multiple high-profile errors in both the Premier League and Champions League, often finding himself at the center of fan criticism. His command of the penalty area and decision-making were brought into question, and Amorim, known for prioritizing tactical discipline, is believed to have demanded a rethink at the goalkeeper position.
Amorim wants a goalkeeper who fits his system: good with the ball at his feet, but also tactically alert, vocal, and composed under pressure. The incoming replacement is seen as the ideal fit.
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The Replacement: Who is United Bringing In?
While the identity of the new goalkeeper has not been officially revealed at the time of writing, multiple reputable outlets strongly indicate that the player is Giorgi Mamardashvili, the 23-year-old Valencia and Georgia international who has been making waves in La Liga.
Standing at 6’6”, Mamardashvili has earned a reputation as one of the most promising young keepers in Europe. He is known for his incredible reflexes, calmness under pressure, and ability to organize his back line. Most impressively, he had one of the highest save percentages in Europe’s top five leagues over the past season.
Valencia had initially slapped a €60 million valuation on the goalkeeper, but were open to negotiation due to financial constraints. Manchester United’s proposed swap deal included Donny van de Beek, who has struggled to break into the first team at Old Trafford and spent time out on loan. In addition, United included a cash fee of around €25 million, making it a win-win scenario for both clubs.
Mamardashvili has now agreed a five-year contract with Manchester United, pending a medical, and is expected to fly to Manchester in the coming days.
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The Swap Deal: A Clever Piece of Business
Manchester United’s ability to engineer a player-plus-cash swap deal represents a new era of financial pragmatism under INEOS. In years past, United were criticized for overpaying for players and struggling to sell fringe assets. But this deal shows a level of clever planning and negotiation that fans have been hoping for.
Van de Beek’s time at the club had long appeared to be over. Despite arriving in 2020 with high expectations from Ajax, the Dutch midfielder never truly settled into the Premier League and failed to impress under multiple managers. His inclusion in the deal gave Valencia a creative midfield option while also reducing United’s wage bill.
This strategic move not only frees up resources but also addresses two problems at once—offloading a surplus player and solving a growing goalkeeping concern.
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Amorim’s Tactical Vision: Why Mamardashvili Fits
Manager Ruben Amorim has a very specific football philosophy: a fluid 3-4-3 formation with vertical transitions, structured build-up, and disciplined defensive organization. The goalkeeper in his system must serve as the first line of attack and the final barrier in defense.
Mamardashvili, despite his towering frame, is surprisingly agile and capable with the ball at his feet. His ability to pick out passes into midfield and break opposition lines fits perfectly into Amorim’s tactical plans. In addition, he commands his area with confidence and regularly communicates with his defenders—something that was often missing from Onana’s performances last season.
At just 23, Mamardashvili also offers long-term potential. Under Amorim’s tutelage and with the Premier League platform, he could develop into one of Europe’s elite goalkeepers.
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Fan Reaction: Mixed but Hopeful
News of the accepted offer and the imminent arrival of a new goalkeeper has drawn a mixed response from the Manchester United fanbase. While some supporters are disappointed to see the Onana experiment cut short, others see this as a proactive move toward a better-fitting system.
One fan tweeted:
“Onana is good, but just not right for us. Mamardashvili looks like a beast. A smart move at the right time.”
Another added:
“Happy for Donny to get a fresh start. And if we get Mamardashvili in return? That’s a masterclass from the new board.”
There’s also widespread excitement about the possibility of seeing a young, high-potential goalkeeper develop alongside other rising stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Højlund, and Alejandro Garnacho.
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What’s Next?
With the offer accepted and personal terms agreed, Manchester United are now working to finalize the formalities. Mamardashvili is expected to undergo a medical in the next 48 hours, after which the club will likely announce the deal officially.
Following his signing, attention will turn to potential further exits—including Onana himself. Several Serie A clubs have shown interest in bringing the Cameroonian back to Italy, and United could recoup a significant portion of the original fee paid.
The Red Devils are also continuing to pursue reinforcements at centre-back, central midfield, and wide forward positions, with at least three more signings expected before the end of the transfer window.
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Final Thoughts: A Statement Swap That Signals Intent
Manchester United’s successful pursuit of a new goalkeeper through a smartly negotiated swap deal sends a powerful message to the footballing world: this is a club no longer operating in chaos, but with clarity, vision, and ambition.
The arrival of Mamardashvili (or a similar profile) signals a shift toward long-term planning, high-performance recruitment, and building a squad that fits the manager’s identity.
Offer accepted. Personal terms agreed. And a new No. 1 is ready to rise at Old Trafford.
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