Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana: Barcelona wanted me

Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana has confirmed that Barcelona tried to sign him this summer but the timing was not right.

The Cameroon international goalkeeper has earned rave reviews at the Dutch giants whom he joined from La Masia in 2015 and helped Ajax to multiple success both domestically and in Europe.

Onana has a contract at the Amsterdam-based club until 2021 began his career at the Samuel Eto'o Foundation before joining the Blaugrana’s youth system in 2010.

“There was feedback from PSG,” Onana told RMC Sport.

“I had discussions with my agent. He told me about Paris and what they wanted to do. Whether that was a swap with Alphonse Areola will stay in the professional realm. My agent handles these things. We spoke a few times and he told me PSG were interested.

“Barcelona came back in for me this summer. It is home to me. I was part of the club. Logically, they are always keen to repatriate their own. Perhaps it was not the right time to go back, and maybe I will never go back! This summer, though, was not right for it.”

Reports had claimed that Barcelona were keen on signing Onana to replace Jasper Cillessen – who joined Valencia – but instead opting to sign Los Che goalkeeper Neto in what was effectively a swap deal.

The 23-year-old remained at the Dutch giants despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain, who eventually signed Keylor Navas from Real Madrid.

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