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Manchester United Agree Altay Bayindir Exit as Summer Plans Begin
Manchester United have reportedly agreed their first deal ahead of the summer transfer window, with Manchester United moving closer to sanctioning the sale of Altay Bayindir.
According to reports in Standard Sport, an agreement has been reached between United and Besiktas for a fee of €5million, around £4.3million. Fanatik claim the two clubs held a meeting this week, with Bayindir now expected to complete the move once the transfer window reopens.
Standard Sport, who were responsible for the original report, outline that the 27 year old will have one year remaining on his contract at the end of the season. United do hold an option to trigger a further 12 month extension, however indications suggest an exit is now the most likely outcome. Personal terms are reportedly progressing, and Besiktas had previously attempted to secure the goalkeeper’s signature in January before United blocked a late departure.
This is understood to be a strategic decision as the club reshapes its goalkeeping department ahead of 2026-27.
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Goalkeeper Hierarchy Shift at Old Trafford
Bayindir began the season as United’s first choice in the Premier League. However, the situation changed dramatically in October when summer signing Senne Lammens took over the No1 shirt.
Since losing his place, Bayindir has not made another appearance. That shift in hierarchy has effectively accelerated talks over a permanent exit, with United open to recalibrating their options.
Lammens has quickly established himself as a key figure. His composure, distribution and command of the area have drawn praise, most notably from Gary Neville.
“I’ve said it before, people get tired me saying it, I do think [the goalkeeper] is the most difficult position and most scrutinised position in English football,” Neville said on Sky Sports after Man United’s 1-0 win over Everton.
“I had my concerns when he came in, I thought: ‘Why would you take a chance with a goalkeeper who’s young, who’s not got the pedigree, he’s played in a different league, he’s going to come to Manchester United and it could eat him up’.
“It is early, but he looks like he’s got the temperament and he’s got the technical quality, he’s doing the right things, he holds the ball when he should hold it, he punches when he should punch, but even when he punches it’s not one of those wild punches, everything seems under control.
“This kid, he’s come in and I really have been impressed with him. He looks like he’s got a big, big future early days.”
Those words carry weight, particularly when assessing United’s long term planning.
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Andre Onana Ready to Compete for No1 Shirt
The developing situation around Bayindir also opens the door for Andre Onana.
Currently on loan at Trabzonspor, Onana has registered four clean sheets in 20 appearances across all competitions. As per the Guardian, he wants to fight to re establish himself as United’s No1 and believes he will be given an opportunity to do so.
From United’s perspective, this presents a delicate balancing act. Lammens is gaining momentum and external backing, while Onana remains a high profile asset determined to reclaim his status.
Competition for places will be intense if both goalkeepers return for pre season. Internal belief appears strong that a fair evaluation will take place before any definitive decisions are made.
What is clear is that United are already laying groundwork for the summer. Agreeing an exit early for Bayindir signals proactive planning rather than reactive movement.
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From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this feels like sensible squad management. Altay Bayindir has not done much wrong, but football at this level is ruthless. If Senne Lammens has taken his chance and impressed in big moments such as the 1-0 win over Everton, then the club must back merit.
The bigger question surrounds Andre Onana. Four clean sheets in 20 games for Trabzonspor is respectable, though not spectacular. However, confidence and rhythm matter hugely for goalkeepers. If he returns sharp and determined, he absolutely deserves a fair fight in pre season.
Gary Neville’s comments about Lammens having a “big, big future” are exciting, but early promise must translate into consistency over 38 games. United have been burned before by instability in this position.
Ultimately, strong internal competition raises standards. If Lammens continues his upward trajectory and Onana pushes him all the way, United benefit. Selling Bayindir for £4.3million while clarifying the hierarchy feels like decisive business. The summer rebuild has started quietly, but it has started with purpose.