Manchester United have reportedly struck their first deal of the summer transfer window, months before the market officially opens. According to reports from Turkey, an agreement has been reached to sell goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to Besiktas.
The 27-year-old, who arrived at Old Trafford from Fenerbahce in 2023, is set to return to his homeland in a deal worth approximately £4.3 million the exact figure United paid for him three years ago.
The Rise of Senne Lammens
Bayindir’s exit became inevitable following the emergence of Senne Lammens. While Bayindir started the season as the interim number one following Andre Onana’s shock loan move to Trabzonspor, his performances failed to convince.
- The Stats: 6 appearances, 11 goals conceded, 0 clean sheets.
- The Shift: Once Lammens was integrated into the starting XI under Michael Carrick, Bayindir was relegated to the bench, failing to make an appearance since.
The Andre Onana Dilemma
With Bayindir departing, the focus shifts to the returning Andre Onana. The Cameroonian’s loan deal in Turkey expires in July, and he is contracted at Old Trafford until 2028. However, his return creates a significant financial and tactical headache for the board:
- The Competition: Lammens’ “unbeatable” form makes him the undisputed #1 for next season.
- The Wage Burden: Onana earns £100,000 per week. Keeping a backup on such high wages contradicts the cost-cutting measures recently introduced by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
- The Stance: While reports suggest Onana is ready to “fight for his place,” a permanent sale remains the most likely outcome to fund Carrick’s summer rebuild.
Efficiency Under Carrick
The fact that United are already offloading fringe players in February is a testament to the new “football-first” structure led by Omar Berrada. By securing a fee for Bayindir now, United are avoiding the “net-spend” traps exposed by UEFA earlier this week.
As Carrick’s men hunt for a Champions League spot currently sitting 4th and just three points behind Aston Villa the club is proving they can finally walk and chew gum at the same time: winning on the pitch while planning ruthlessly off it.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
