Revealed – Parallels Between Spain International’s Move To Inter Milan & Current Man United Star’s Transfer In 2022 | OneFootball

There are some notable parallels between the transfer of Josep Martinez to Inter Milan this summer and Andre Onana two years ago.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.

Genoa keeper Martinez is on the verge of joining Inter.

The 26-year-old will reportedly undergo his medicals on the move to the Nerazzurri tomorrow.

And in the view of Tuttosport, there is a certain echo of the arrival of Andre Onana in the summer of 2022. The Cameroonian had made the switch on a free transfer from Ajax.

One parallel between the two players is that both came through the academy of Barcelona.

That perhaps represents the fact that both are “modern” keepers, more than comfortable playing with the ball at their feet.

But that is not all in terms of parallels between Martinez and Onana joining Inter.

Josep Martinez To Inter Echoes Andre Onana Move In 2022

When Inter signed Onana in the summer of 2022, it looked as though they had sorted out their long-term future in goal.

The Cameroonian was in his mid-twenties when he arrived.

Therefore, Onana was a player who could very plausibly hold down the starting spot in goal for a decade or more.

Inter’s plan was to have Onana play as the backup to captain Samir Handanovic initially. Then, in the longer term, the former Ajax keeper would be able to take over from the Slovenian.

And it did not take Onana very long to stake his claim.

After Handanovic had begun the season as the first-choice in goal, Onana grabbed the starting spot with both hands.

But in a certain sense, Onana’s performances in his single season at Inter were too good – particularly in the Champions League.

The Cameroonian’s form attracted transfer interest. And in the end, Manchester United signed Onana in a massive money deal just one season after Inter had brought him in for nothing.

That led to the Nerazzurri looking for a replacement.

And instead of signing a younger keeper last summer, Inter went with veteran experience. They signed Swiss international Yann Sommer from Bayern Munich.

And Sommer did very well in his first season at Inter. He helped the Nerazzurri to the Serie A title.

Sommer should be the starter next season. But he will turn 36 during the campaign – he is hardly going to hold down the role for years to come.

Therefore, Inter are bringing in Martinez with a similar remit in relation to Sommer as what Onana’s role was in replacing Handanovic in 2022.