Andre Onana's injury has led to Manchester United holding talks with Altay Bayindir's agent as the goalkeeper's future at Old Trafford remains up in the air
08:49, 13 Jul 2025Updated 08:52, 13 Jul 2025
Ruben Amorim has identified a new target
The goalkeeping spot at Manchester United is up in the air, with Andre Onana suffering an injury and back-up Altay Bayindir's future uncertain.
Bayindir's representative has been spotted at Carrington this week, discussing the future of his client. The Turkish goalie, who was snapped up from Fenerbahce for a cool £4.3million, has been warming the bench behind Andre Onana since he joined the Reds in September 2023.
Bayindir hasn't appeared for the Turkey national team jersey since their 3-0 drubbing by Portugal at Euro 2024, and his agent Sefa Seyrek is eager to work out the keeper's role in the upcoming season.
United are toying with the idea of bringing in a new shot-stopper after Onana pulled his hamstring, which looks set to sideline him from the club's pre-season tour of the States.
And they've identified John Victor from Botafogo as one of several names currently on the radar.
John Victor
Man United are interested in Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor(Image: Getty Images)
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Despite Onana's shaky form, Bayindir only got a run-out in 10 matches across all competitions last season and wasn't given a fair shake at stepping into the Cameroonian's boots as Ruben Amorim's first choice, reports the Mirror.
The 27-year-old, who reported back for pre-season training on Thursday, turned down numerous offers from Europe to stick with United in January, but there have been fresh enquiries about his situation recently.
While it's believed United would have entertained decent offers for Onana this summer, they're currently more focused on beefing up their attacking options with some big-name signings.
Third-choice goalie Tom Heaton inked a new one-year deal extension last month, and it was thought that the Red Devils were happy with their backup options in goal - until Onana's muscle injury during training threw a spanner in the works.
Altay Bayindir
Altay Bayindir is keen to understand his role at Man Utd(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Onana is keen to stick around at Old Trafford and show his mettle, but he kept quiet last month about whether he'd be donning the United kit next season. His recent injury makes any swift departure unlikely.
During his holiday, he said: "Will I leave? I don't know, we'll see!".
Responding to Onana's cryptic eight-word comment, United's legendary former keeper Edwin van der Sar reckoned that for Amorim, the goalie spot wasn't a pressing concern.
Van der Sar, who had a stint with Onana at Ajax, praised the current Utd number one: "He has great strengths. He's athletic. He has good reaction saves. Good with his feet and everything. I'm sure he's going to get over it.
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Andre Onana
Onana has suffered a new injury(Image: Getty Images)
"Sometimes it's not easy. Sometimes your performances or the pressure there is. But I've seen him play for Ajax, for Inter, Champions League finals. I'm sure he's going to be fine for next season.
"I think there are more areas where United should see if you can have a better player, a different player. But I don't think the goalkeeping situation needs to be addressed now."