Manchester United missed out on a bargain signing for Zion Suzuki in 2023 and the goalkeeper's price has since rocketed to £40m.
Suzuki, 22, was on United's radar during his time at Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds. The Red Devils agreed a £5 million move but in a notable twist, Suzuki turned down a move to Old Trafford in favor of a move to Belgian club Sint-Truiden.
That summer, United had already signed Andre Onana as David de Gea's successor and later Altay Bayındır as his back-up. Fearing that his opportunities would be limited, Suzuki chose an unknown path, and it appears his gamble has paid off.
Parma paid £8.5 million to make him their new number one and the Japan international has impressed in his debut season in Serie A. However, this means Suzuki is no longer the hidden gem that United discovered 18 months ago. was about to sign.
TalkSPORT report that Parma value their highly-rated goalkeeper at £40 million and hope to keep him for at least another season. Although United are reportedly still monitoring Suzuki's progress, his new price tag is eight times what the club was willing to pay in 2023.
Newly promoted Parma are in a relegation phase this season, currently just a point above the bottom three, but Suzuki's assured performance in a top European competition will further convince potential suitors. He has previously attracted interest from Chelsea and has also been linked with Bayern Munich, but United could be in the market for a shot-stopper again if Onana continues to disappoint between the sticks.
His ascent will not surprise former Sint-Truiden manager Thorsten Fink, who spoke highly of Suzuki when explaining why he had usurped veteran Daniel Schmidt in the pecking order. “It's unfortunate what's happening to him [Schmidt]but Zion is our number one goalie now,” Fink told Walfoot. “He is considered one of the best talents in the world in his position and we need to polish him.”
Suzuki's patient approach to his career is rare, but shows a maturity that could also impress clubs looking for a new number one. In 2023, the goalkeeper explained that his ambition was to prove himself in the Premier League, but United's interest came at the wrong time in his development.
“It is true that there was an offer from Manchester United,” Suzuki admitted. “As a footballer and as a person, if I had not thought about anything, of course I would like to go to Manchester United, but among them , I really want to spend time thinking about what kind of future awaits me.
“Manchester United have acquired Onana. It is important for me to take part in matches, and I think it is also important to play on the world stage. There are no Japanese goalkeepers in the Premier League, so I want to be one of the are the first players.” To do this, I want to keep moving forward step by step.”
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