Altay Bayindir started the 2025/26 season as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper, but he has since returned to his role as the back-up option despite transfer interest from Turkey.
Andre Onana returned to pre-season with an injury, but Ruben Amorim had made up his mind over who would be the first choice when the Premier League campaign kicked off. It wasn’t Onana.
Altay Bayindir started the first six league games of the season, but United signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp in a deal worth £18.2 million.
The 23-year-old Belgian stopper has since replaced Bayindir, starting in the last six games and proving to be an upgrade over Onana.
The revamp in the goalkeeper department also led to Onana joining Trabzonspor on loan for the season.
With United knocked out of the Carabao Cup and not competing in Europe, Bayindir is not likely to make any more appearances unless Lammens picks up an injury or gets suspended.
Bayindir is still hopeful of going to the World Cup next summer, but Turkey must qualify through the play-offs after missing out on the automatic places. Qualifying is one step, but any player not competing regularly is bound to feel their place in the squad is uncertain.
Altay Bayindir warming up at Old Trafford
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Besiktas identify Altay Bayindir as primary goalkeeper target
Besiktas, who sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier this season, are showing interest in Bayindir.
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The former Fenerbahce stopper has lost his place in the United line-up since the beginning of the season, after previously playing the role of back-up option to Onana.
Bayindir failed to impress at the start of the season and was replaced by Lammens.
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According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Besiktas have turned their attention to Bayindir to address their problems between the sticks.
Mert Gunok lost his place in the team and is expected to leave in January; however, Ersin Destanoglu has not been convincing since replacing him.
The 27-year-old is believed to be Besiktas’ ‘main target’ in January.
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Bayindir is under contract at Old Trafford until 2027.
Man Utd eye Swedish alternative to Altay Bayindir
Earlier this month, United were linked with Malmo goalkeeper Melker Ellborg.
The 22-year-old would arrive as a second-choice goalkeeper to Lammens if Bayindir were to leave the club.
This shows that United are planning ahead because the chances of Bayindir sticking around are unlikely.
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Tom Heaton is United’s third-choice keeper, and it remains to be seen if he’ll be given another contract extension at the end of the season.