It doesn’t happen often, a young player turning down the chance to sign for aone of Europe’s biggest clubs in favour of a much smaller outfit.
But, in the case of one 2023 Manchester United target, the decision to snub those Old Trafford advances has paid off.
Zion Suzuki was flattered by the interest, certainly. But the then-Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper was wary of suffering the same fate that has befallen Altay Bayindir under Erik ten Hag.
Bayindir featured only once throughout the entire campaign. Against fourth-tier Newport County in the early rounds of the FA Cup, no less. As a result, he lost his place as Turkey’s go-to glovesman ahead of Euro 2024.
Suzuki, had he seized the chance to become Andre Onana’s deputy before Bayindir arrived from Fenerbahce instead, would surely have found himself in the same boat.
He certainly would not have ended the season with 32 first-team appearances to his name, like he did after heading to Belgium with Sint-Truiden rather than England with Manchester United.
Zion Suzuki rewarded for Manchester United snub
“Zion is now our first-choice goalkeeper. He is considered one of the greatest talents in the world at his position, and we need to polish him,” Sint-Truiden coach Thorsten Fink told Walfoot of the American-born Japan international.
“Zion chose STVV because he could achieve the status of first goalkeeper. We keep those promises. He is still young and will make mistakes every now and then. However, everyone sees that he has a lot of talent.
“That’s why he could have gone to Manchester United.”
He might still, of course.
United are reportedly still keeping tabs on the 21-year-old who recently established himself as Japan’s number one, per Far Eastern publication Sponichi. But with Onana’s place between the sticks secure for now, the next step for Suzuki may be Italy.
Parma are keen on a man who turned his Sint-Truiden loan deal into a £5 million permanent transfer.
Recently promoted back to Serie A, a move to one of the less-expectant clubs in one of Europe’s major leagues feels like another sensible stepping stone on Suzuki’s pathway to the top.
“Suzuki is a world-class goalkeeper for his age,” Parma’s sporting director Mauro Pederzoli tells Tuttomercatoweb. “He is extraordinary on a technical level and is highly regarded. He is sought after throughout Europe and beyond.”
Red Devils remain keen on ‘world-class goalkeeper’
That ‘extraordinary’ technical ability is one of the reasons why Suzuki caught Man United’s eye in the first place from all the way over in Japan. He idolises Manchester City’s goalkeeper/playmaker Ederson, and also shares the Brazilian’s penchant for pinpoint passes from deep.
One of the big reasons why Ten Hag swapped David de Gea for Andre Onana – as explained by former United coach Benni McCarthy – was because the Dutchman wanted a shot-stopper who was comfortable with his feet.
An attribute Suzuki certainly shares.
“It is true that there was an offer from Manchester United,” Suzuki told Goal shortly after arriving in Belgium.
“Of course, I would have liked to go to Manchester United. But I really want to spend time thinking about what kind of future awaits me. After much thought, I made this decision.”
Now, with Parma keen, the time is rapidly approaching to make another one.