Manchester United have successfully signed Andre Onana, the goalkeeper from Inter Milan. Onana has agreed to a five-year contract with Manchester United, taking over the position previously held by David de Gea. This transfer makes Onana part of the growing list of African goalkeepers who have played in the Premier League.
The deal between Manchester United and Inter Milan for Onana's transfer is reported to be around £47.2 million. The Cameroon international, aged 27, has also been given the option of an additional year in his contract. Onana's arrival at Old Trafford marks the end of David de Gea's 12-year tenure as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.
According to Sky Sports, the transfer fee for Onana includes an initial payment of £43.8 million, with an additional £3.4 million possible through performance-based add-ons. This demonstrates the confidence Manchester United has in Onana's abilities.
Onana follows in the footsteps of other African goalkeepers who have made their mark in the Premier League. The league has seen a rise in the number of African players, showcasing the talent and support the continent provides to English football.
5. Carl Ikeme - Nigeria
In discussing the top-ranked African goalkeepers in Premier League history, Carl Ikeme from Nigeria deserves recognition. Despite being loaned out to multiple clubs during his 15-year career, Ikeme remained loyal to Wolverhampton Wanderers and never permanently signed with another team. In 2015, he became Nigeria's number one goalkeeper after Vincent Enyeama's departure. He represented the Super Eagles in 10 matches.
Unfortunately, Ikeme's playing career was cut short due to a diagnosis of acute leukemia in 2017, as reported by the BBC. Although he successfully fought the illness, he was unable to continue playing and missed out on Wolves' return to the Premier League. Throughout his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Ikeme only had one opportunity to play in the Premier League, which occurred during the 2011-2012 season.
In conclusion, Andre Onana's signing with Manchester United marks an exciting addition to the Premier League's list of African goalkeepers. The transfer fee and Onana's contract details demonstrate the faith the club has in his abilities. Additionally, the mention of Carl Ikeme highlights the resilience and dedication shown by African goalkeepers in the Premier League, even in the face of challenges such as illness.
4. Andre Arendse - South Africa.
Andre Arendse was a prominent football player from South Africa who played as a goalkeeper. He was a key player in South Africa's victorious 1996 Africa Cup of Nations team. In the final held in Johannesburg, South Africa triumphed 2-0 against Tunisia, managed by Clive Barker's Nation Builders. Arendse's exceptional performance contributed to their success.
Arendse started his career in South Africa before moving to England to play for Fulham and Oxford United. However, he eventually returned to his home country. In 2009, he won the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title with SuperSport United, showcasing his skills and talent as a goalkeeper.
After retiring as a player, Arendse transitioned into coaching and worked with Bidvest Wits. This shows his dedication to the sport and his continued involvement in developing football talent in South Africa.
3. Richard Kingson - Ghana.
Richard Kingson, hailing from Ghana, had a successful career as a goalkeeper, particularly during his four-year stint in English football. He played for clubs like Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, and gained recognition for his outstanding contributions at Blackpool.
Kingson is considered a legend in Ghanaian football, earning an impressive 90 caps for the national team, known as the Black Stars. He participated in both the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup campaigns, leaving a lasting impact on Ghana's footballing history.
In 2010, Kingson was a vital member of the Black Stars squad that achieved the runners-up position at the Africa Cup of Nations. His skill and presence in goal cemented his status as a revered figure in Ghanaian football.
2. Edouard Mendy - Senegal.
Edouard Mendy, a goalkeeper from Senegal, made a significant impact during his time at Chelsea Football Club in West London. He performed impressively and managed to secure the starting position, surpassing Kepa Arrizabalaga, a highly paid goalkeeper.
Mendy's standout performances led to Chelsea's success in the UEFA Champions League in 2021. He played a crucial role in helping the team win the prestigious title, showcasing his talent and abilities as a goalkeeper.
After his successful spell at Chelsea, Mendy made a move to Saudi Arabia, joining Al-Ahli on a three-year contract. This demonstrates his growing reputation and the demand for his skills in the footballing world.
1. Bruce Grobbelaar - Zimbabwe.
Bruce Grobbelaar, originally from South Africa but representing Zimbabwe, is widely regarded as one of the finest African goalkeepers in history. He achieved legendary status during his time at Liverpool Football Club.
Grobbelaar played a vital role in Liverpool's European triumph in 1984, winning the UEFA Champions League. His exceptional performances in goal contributed significantly to the team's success and further solidified his reputation as a talented goalkeeper.
Grobbelaar's achievements and contributions to Liverpool's success remain highly respected and celebrated in football history. His skill and influence as a goalkeeper serve as an inspiration for aspiring African players in the sport.
Despite being past his best when the Premier League started, Grobbelaar stayed committed to Liverpool, the team he loved. He played for them for a number of seasons before eventually moving to Southampton.
While he was at Southampton, there were constant rumors and allegations about Grobbelaar being involved in match-fixing, which had a negative impact on his career.
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