- Altay Bayindir looks likely to leave Manchester United
- Turkish goalkeeper has agreed personal terms
- Senne Lammens will need a new deputy
Manchester United are reportedly close to selling Altay Bayindir and bringing an end to a dissapointing spell at Old Trafford. The Turkish goalkeeper joined the Reds from Fenerbahce back in September 2023.
Bayindir joined the club in a deal worth around £4.3m and he arrived as Andre Onana’s backup. Erik ten Hag was still in charge, but the Dutch coach never really trusted him.
The 28-year-old made just two appearances under Ten Hag but enjoyed more game time during Ruben Amorim’s reign. He started this season as number one, but shaky performances saw Senne Lammens arrive on deadline day last summer.
Bye Bayindir?
Lammens has since become United’s undisputed number one between the sticks. The Belgian shot-stopper has put in sensational displays and there’s little to no chance of Bayindir getting more minutes before the season ends.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Bayindir has agreed on personal terms with Besiktas over a possible return to the Turkish Super Lig. The club aren’t expected to stand in his way and a transfer looks to be on the cards.
While Bayindir’s personality and mentality can’t be faulted, his spell at the Theatre of Dreams has left much to be admired. He’s made 17 appearances, keeping three clean sheets and conceding 31 goals.
Ten Hag was essentially given free rein in the transfer market to sign players for his squad. That led to many transfer mistakes, including the arrivals of Antony and Tyrell Malacia.
The former United boss explained Bayindir’s signing at the time and revealed that the club had “followed him, scouted him very intensely” and believed he had “the skills to fit Man United.”
Radek Vitek has to be Lammens’ Deputy
Bayindir isn’t the only goalkeeper signed during the Ten Hag era who looks likely to leave this summer. Reports claim that INEOS are keen on selling Onana, who has spent the season on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Onana is thought to want to try to revive his United career, but realistically, there’s little to no chance of that happening. The Cameroonian has just over two years left on his contract with the Red Devils.
The biggest talking point regarding the goalkeeping situation is who starts next season as the number two. All signs point to Radek Vitek returning from his loan at Bristol City to take up the role.
That said, Vitek recently insisted he doesn’t want to spend time on the bench and wants to be on the pitch. There’s a better chance of that happening if Michael Carrick can guide the Reds to Champions League qualification, as the Czech goalkeeper could be the cup competition shot-stopper next season.
