Tottenham transfer target and Ajax goalkeeping star Andre Onana claims that big clubs have not yet signed him due to his skin colour.
Talking to Dutch newspaper Het Patrool, he revealed that one interested club decided not to purchase him in 2017 because he was black and fans would find it ‘difficult’.
A report in November claimed that Spurs remain interested in the Ajax goalkeeper after facing off against him last season in the Champions League (Sun).
The 23-year-old was part of Ajax team last season who reached the Champions League semi-final and has been impressive once again this campaign, keeping 12 clean sheets in 30 appearances (Transfermarkt).
However, he feels the colour of his skin will remain a barrier for a future transfer away from the Netherlands. He told Het Parool: “In my first year at Ajax we reached the final of the Europa League.
“After that final, my agent spoke to an interested club, but that club decided not to sign me because a black goalkeeper would be difficult for their supporters.
“So it wasn’t because they didn’t think I was good enough.
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“I considered it a compliment.”
Whilst talking to the newspaper, he also revealed that if he experiences racism in a stadium then he would walk off the pitch: “Racism is there, I have to deal with it in almost every away game.
“But I’m not talking about it. I’m proud to be black. If you call me a monkey, fine. I see no difference between white and black and I make no difference. If you do, that’s your problem.
“I’ve been in Europe for twelve years. I live and work with people from all countries of the world, every colour imaginable.
“At each match, you hear in the stadiums: ‘No to racism’, But racism is not only in football, it is everywhere.
“Racism was there long before I was born, and it will not suddenly disappear tomorrow. One day it will stop. It needs time and you cannot force it.”
Spurs could be actively looking for a goalkeeper in the summer after Hugo Lloris suffered a discolated elbow earlier this season and Paulo Gazzaniga’s recent displays have left a lot to be desired.
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In January, Spurs can risk with carrying on with Gazzaniga in goal as Hugo recovers. However, I believe this summer Jose Mourinho should be actively looking at a younger goalkeeper who can replace the Frenchmen. The 33-year-old has been guilty of making mistakes before suffering his injury and might need top-quality competition. Andre Onana has shown his potential in the Champions League last season and could be an ideal replacement for Lloris.
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