The star admitted he quit Manchester United in 2023 and has now become ‘world class’

Zion Suzuki was flattered by the interest, for sure. But the then Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper was wary of suffering the same fate that befell Altay Bayindir under Erik ten Hag.

Bayindir appeared only once during 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 goalkeeper ahead of Euro 2024.

Suzuki, had he jumped at 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 wouldn’t have finished the season with 32 first-team appearances to his name, as he did after leaving for Belgium with Sint-Truiden rather than England with Manchester United.

Zion Suzuki was rewarded for Manchester United’s fatigue

“Zion is now our first choice goalkeeper. He is considered one of the greatest talents in the world in his position and we have to polish him,” Sint-Truiden coach Thorsten Fink told Walfoot of the American-born Japan international.

“Zion chose STVV because it could achieve the status of first goalkeeper. We keep these promises. He is still young and will make mistakes from time to time. However, everyone can see that he has a lot of talent.

“That’s why he could have gone to Manchester United.”

It could, of course.

According to Sponichi, United are still tracking the 21-year-old who has recently established himself as Japan’s number one. 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 has turned his loan deal from Sint-Truiden into a £5m permanent move.

Recently promoted back to Serie A, a move to one of the less expected clubs in one of Europe’s major leagues feels like another sensitive step on Suzuki’s path to the top.

“Suzuki is a world-class goalkeeper for his age,” Parma sporting director Mauro Pederzoli told Tuttomercatoweb. “He is technically outstanding and highly regarded. It is sought after all over Europe and beyond.”

Red Devils remain keen on ‘world-class goalkeeper’

“Extraordinary” technical ability is one of the reasons why Suzuki caught Man United’s attention in the first place from all over Japan. He idolizes Manchester City goalkeeper/playmaker Ederson and also shares the Brazilian’s penchant for accurate passing from deep.

One of the big reasons Ten Hag swapped David de Gea for Andre Onana – as explained by former United manager Benni McCarthy – was because the Dutchman wanted a shot-stopper who was comfortable with his feet.

An attribute Suzuki certainly shares.

“It’s 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 have made this decision.”

Now, with Parma passionate, the time to make another is fast approaching.

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