The Turkish goalkeeper's medical in Spain signals a sudden exit from Old Trafford, as secret negotiations reveal a strategic loan deal featuring a multimillion-pound buy option.
Is Michael Carrick bringing back the days of old?
More Videos
Manchester United's negotiations this summer have continued the theme from last year, with details on transfers not being reported on until the deal is set to be confirmed.
After missing out on the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson, it appeared as though the Red Devils were scrambling for signings with many different names supposedly on the list.
However, the club seemingly signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans within a week despite having little to no links to them, especially in the case of Tielemans, who was not rumoured to have a release clause, let alone leave Aston Villa.
This silence to the media has not only happened with incomings, but with outgoings too.
Bayindir deal includes buy option
It was generally expected that Altay Bayindir was set to leave Old Trafford, with it becoming even more likely as he did not appear in pre-season and Karl Darlow was bought in on a free from Leeds United.
Previous reports suggested a move back to Turkey was on the cards, but it was revealed yesterday that he was in Vigo for a medical, and AS went as far as to say the Spanish side could sign him on a free when his contract expires.
However, Laurie Whitwell has reported that this loan deal includes a £3.4 million buy option, which suggests that the club will activate the one-year extension in the Turk's deal to not lose him on a free.
This would now mean both permanent goalkeepers under Erik Ten Hag, himself and Andre Onana, who were brought in to replace David de Gea, are no longer at the club.
Manchester United’s academy goalkeeper departs for Teesside in a £14 million deal, featuring strategic buy-back and sell-on clauses as the club prioritises off-pitch departures and squad rebuilding.roundtable.ioRevealed: The Details Behind Radek Vitek to Middlesbrough
Manchester United’s academy goalkeeper departs for Teesside in a £14 million deal, featuring strategic buy-back and sell-on clauses as the club prioritises off-pitch departures and squad rebuilding.
What are United’s plans?
After the radio silence before the triple swoop of Santos, Tielemans and Darlow, the club have now entered another spell of silence.
Many have suggested that this is just Manchester United working in the shadows like before, but with other clubs advancing with many big deals, it is slowly looking like the club will go into the season still needing players.
Mason Mount has done well as a deeper midfielder, but the only reason why he has played there is that both Kobbie Mainoo and Tielemans are not at the club. His performances are not a good enough excuse not to buy another defensive midfielder.
Furthermore, there are other areas of the pitch that the club need to strengthen, like left-back and backup striker, if Joshua Zirkzee were to leave.