Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
With transfer interest mounting, Altay Bayindir remained on the bench against Atletico Madrid despite Senne Lammens’ absence, potentially denying him a final Manchester United appearance.
Altay Bayindir went into this summer looking forward to the 2026 World Cup and likely to leave Manchester United in the transfer market. Although the 28-year-old didn’t feature for Turkey at the tournament, it doesn’t look like he will be playing his football at Old Trafford next season, which means he could have a chance to play regular football elsewhere.
Nobody at United would begrudge Bayindir that. Karl Darlow has signed as Senne Lammens’ back-up for next season, with Tom Heaton as third choice and the highly-rated Radek Vitek expected to leave on a permanent deal.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Celta Vigo are leading the race to sign Bayindir on a season-long loan, but other clubs remain interested.
Altay Bayindir after Manchester United's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Altay Bayindir may have already made his final Man Utd appearance
Although Bayindir did a prolonged training session on the Strawberry Arena turf on Saturday, he sat on the bench throughout United’s 2-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid.
Heaton’s sloppy goalkeeping for Atletico Madrid’s opener was reminiscent of some of Bayindir’s performances in a United shirt, which is why he wouldn’t be considered a loss, much like Andre Onana.
But that still wasn’t enough for Michael Carrick to bring Bayindir on in what could have been his final appearance for United. And, with a potential move on the horizon, why bother risking a player who isn’t part of the head coach’s plans?
Bayindir has made 17 appearances for United since his 2023 transfer, conceding 31 goals and keeping just three clean sheets. His last appearance came on September 27, 2025, in a 3-1 defeat against Brentford before Lammens was quickly installed as first-choice goalkeeper.
Nothing has been set in stone yet regarding Bayindir’s future. It could even drag on if Celta Vigo receive significant competition for his signature.
However, reports in Spain via Metropolitano.gal suggest Celta Vigo and United have reached an agreement for the loan signing of Bayindir.
The best-case scenario for United would be a permanent deal since Bayindir’s contract is set to expire in 2027, but the Reds have an option to extend his contract by 12 months to ensure he doesn’t leave on a Bosman following a loan deal.
⚡️ KEY TAKEAWAYS
Altay Bayindir has become a top target for Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo are closing in on an agreement to sign Bayindir on loan
Bayindir sat on the bench for United’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid despite Senne Lammens’ absence
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Altay Bayindir highlight at Man Utd
Bayindir doesn’t have many highlights from his time at Old Trafford.
His best performance came in January 2025, in an FA Cup third-round win against Arsenal.
United won the match 3-5 on penalties, with Bayindir denying Martin Odegaard from the spot to keep the scoreline level at 1-1 in the 72nd-minute.
Bayindir also denied a Declan Rice header 10 minutes from stoppage time before stopping Kai Havertz’ spot-kick in the shootout.