Zion Suzuki, an acclaimed teenage goalkeeper currently with Parma, is reportedly being targeted by Manchester United. The American-born Japan international previously discussed a move to the Red Devils two years ago, but negotiations fell through when Suzuki expressed his desire for first-team play.
Instead, he had a breakout season in the Belgian Pro League last year after joining Sint-Truiden on loan from Urawa Red Diamonds. His success led Parma to acquire him for €7.5 million (£6.3 million) shortly after Sint-Truiden activated a loan-to-buy clause at a reduced price.
Since then, Suzuki has established himself as the starting goalkeeper at Stadio Ennio Tardini, aspiring to follow in the legendary footsteps of former Parma star Gianluigi Buffon. The 22-year-old missed Parma’s defeat to Udinese due to suspension but has been a key player, starting in all but one of the team’s Serie A matches this season.
According to talkSPORT, Manchester United is prepared to re-enter the race for Suzuki, with an asking price that could reach £40 million. Parma is intent on keeping him for at least another year and may implement measures to deter other clubs from pursuing the talented goalkeeper.
A high salary offer might persuade the Italian team to let him go, akin to Buffon’s record-breaking transfer to Juventus in 2001. The timing of these rumors is intriguing, especially as backup goalie Altay Bayindir recently saved two penalties in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal.
Currently, Andre Onana has been Manchester United’s top goalkeeper since joining from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023. However, these claims may suggest that new manager Ruben Amorim plans to overhaul the goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford.
Would Suzuki be open to a move to the Premier League? The prestige of playing for a prominent club in the world’s most-watched league is appealing, and settling in the UK wouldn’t be a challenge for him. Born in the United States, Suzuki has shown adaptability, moving to Urawa with his family at a young age and debuting with the club in his hometown.
After a year in Belgium before his transfer to Italy, the Japanese international has adjusted well to life in Europe. If the rumors are true, another move could be on the horizon. Nevertheless, Suzuki might hesitate if he isn’t guaranteed a starting position at Old Trafford, especially since he previously declined a move to Manchester United.
Currently, Suzuki stands out as Japan’s top goalkeeper, but his status could be at risk if he leaves club football just 18 months before the World Cup in his home country.