Manchester United Finalize First Summer Transfer Deal with Besiktas for Altay Bayindir
Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement to sell goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to Turkish club Besiktas in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to emerging reports from Turkey. This move marks what could be the first significant deal of the summer for the Red Devils as they continue to reshape their squad under manager Ruben Amorim.
Bayindir's Challenging Stint at Old Trafford
Bayindir originally joined Manchester United from Fenerbahce in 2023, initially serving as a backup option to first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana. However, the Turkish international did receive an unexpected opportunity early this season when Onana fell out of favor, starting the first six Premier League matches for United.
That run proved short-lived, as Onana eventually departed on loan to Trabzonspor, and United completed a deadline-day swoop for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. Since Lammens took over the number-one jersey at the end of September, Bayindir has not made a single appearance in either league or cup competitions for Manchester United.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper looked unconvincing during his limited opportunities in a United shirt, and reports suggest he came close to leaving Old Trafford to join Besiktas during this year's winter transfer window. Now, it appears that move will finally materialize this summer.
Transfer Details and Financial Terms
Turkish media outlets are reporting that both clubs have reached an agreement over a transfer fee of €5 million (approximately £4.3 million) for the goalkeeper. Additionally, Bayindir is said to be willing to take a pay cut to facilitate his return to Turkey, where he previously established himself as one of the country's top goalkeeping talents.
This departure would create a vacancy in United's goalkeeping department, though recent reports indicate that Andre Onana is keen to win back his starting position when he returns from his loan spell in Turkey. However, that task may prove challenging given the impressive start made by Senne Lammens since his introduction to the first team.
Lammens' Impressive Emergence as United's Number One
The young Belgian goalkeeper has quickly established himself as a reliable presence between the posts for Manchester United, earning praise from former players and pundits alike. Gary Neville, who initially expressed doubts about Lammens' ability to handle the pressure at Old Trafford, has since revised his assessment.
'I had my concerns when he came in,' Neville recently said on Sky Sports. '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,' Neville continued. '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.'
Manchester United's Current Form and Prospects
The goalkeeping situation unfolds against the backdrop of Manchester United's strong recent form. The Red Devils are currently the only Premier League side unbeaten in 2026 and sit three points clear of both Chelsea and Liverpool in the league standings. This has sparked discussions about whether United can push for a third-place finish this season, potentially surpassing their traditional rivals.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the Bayindir deal represents the beginning of what promises to be an active period for Manchester United as they continue to build a squad capable of challenging for top honors under Ruben Amorim's leadership.
