Last updated on April 15, 2025
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Angers goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana has caught the eye of Top European clubs.
Image credit: Transfer News Live
With questions mounting over the stability of their goalkeeping options, both Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly lining up a summer move for Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
The report comes from journalist Graeme Bailey, via TBR Football. Both clubs are said to be closely monitoring the 24-year-old as they look to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season
United’s Goalkeeping Gamble in Doubt
Manchester United have been in the midst of a goalkeeping transition since parting ways with long-serving shot-stopper David de Gea last summer.
The club brought in Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir in hopes of revitalizing the position.
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However, despite initially being entrusted with the No. 1 role, Onana has delivered a mixed bag of performances and struggled with consistency throughout the season.
Manager Ruben Amorim has attempted to rotate Bayindir into the lineup, but the Turkish international has not inspired enough confidence to challenge Onana effectively.
With persistent doubts over both keepers, reports suggest that Amorim is open to parting ways with Onana, especially with Saudi Arabian clubs showing interest in the Cameroon international.
Fofana on the Radar
That’s where Yahia Fofana comes in. The 24-year-old Ivorian has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s standout keepers this season.
Yahia Fofana saves Traore's penalty 🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/1mF98ZjYMk
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Standing at 6’4″, Fofana has kept six clean sheets in 29 league appearances, boasting a 72% save rate and a commanding presence in the box.
His recent standout performance in a 2-0 win over Montpellier—watched in person by Manchester United representatives—has further intensified interest.
But United aren’t alone.
Chelsea Join the Chase
Chelsea have also entered the conversation as they eye reinforcement in goal this summer.
Despite signing Robert Sánchez and Đorđe Petrović last year, the Blues are reportedly still exploring elite options between the sticks as they look to shore up defensive frailties and push toward European qualification next season.
Fierce Competition
The competition for Fofana’s signature is heating up.
In addition to Chelsea and Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Wolves, Brentford, and Nottingham Forest have all expressed interest.
Spurs, in particular, are also re-evaluating their options, with Guglielmo Vicario enduring a patchy run of form and winter signing Antonin Kinsky yet to prove reliable.
With Fofana entering the final year of his contract, Angers may be forced to sell this summer to avoid losing him for free in 2026—a situation that adds urgency to potential negotiations.
A Shrewd Summer Move?
Given his form, physicality, and contract situation, Fofana represents a potentially smart and affordable acquisition for clubs in need of a long-term solution in goal.
Whether United’s desire to replace Onana or Chelsea’s ongoing rebuild gives them the edge remains to be seen, but both clubs could see Fofana as a key piece of their future.
The summer transfer window is shaping up to be a crucial period for both Premier League giants—and Yahia Fofana might just be at the center of it.
