According to sources in Turkey, Manchester United and Besiktas have agreed to sell Altay Bayindir during the summer transfer season. In 2023, Bayindir left Fenerbahce to join United, initially acting as Andre Onana’s backup.
However, after the Cameroonian custodian lost favor with Ruben Amorim, Bayindir did start the first six Premier League games this season. After the Red Devils made a last-minute move to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, Onana would finally go on loan to join Trabzonspor.
Additionally, since Lammens assumed the starting number-one shirt at the end of September, Bayindir has not played in either the league or the cup.
The 27-year-old allegedly considered leaving Old Trafford to join Besiktas during this year’s winter transfer window, but he appeared unimpressive in the limited opportunities he was afforded wearing a United shirt.
But according to Turkish media, the club has now rekindled its interest in Bayindir, with both sides apparently agreeing on a €5 million (£4.3 million) price for the goalkeeper.
Man United have agreed first deal for summer transfer window
In order to increase competition behind Onana, Man United recruited Bayındır. However, at times when Onana’s performances faltered, events pushed him into the public eye. Although Bayındır showed poise during brief appearances, he was not quite convincing as a regular No. 1.
It became more obvious that United would reevaluate their depth at the position as more goalkeeping possibilities entered the picture, further complicating the hierarchy. According to reports, Beşiktaş tried to sign him in January, but United ended talks late in the transfer window because they wanted to balance their roster.
Bayındır has the opportunity to resume playing regular first-team football by returning to Turkey with Besiktas. He is still in his prime as a goalkeeper at 26, and regular playing time might help him resume the trajectory that previously made him one of Turkey’s most promising prospects.
As United continues to restructure the team, the sale signifies both financial recovery and clarity. As United looks to stabilize one of the most closely watched positions in the team, making room in the goalkeeping department may open the door for other changes.
