Roland Cutinho
Manchester United could secure a possible move for Fenerbahce shot-stopper Altay Bayindir after conducting pre-medical tests
According to The Athletic [subscription required] (h/t the Metro), Manchester United are said to be in the process of conducting medical examinations on Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir as they intensify their interest in the 25-year-old player.
Fabrizio Romano has since claimed that the checks have been completed in Athens and the player has returned to Istanbul.
Bayindir is believed to be among the top choices for manager Erik ten Hag, as a potential replacement for Dean Henderson, who is currently in discussions for a permanent transfer to Crystal Palace.
Since his departure from Ankaragucu in 2019, the Turkish shot-stopper has served as Fenerbahce’s top-choice goalkeeper, accumulating 44 clean sheets in 145 appearances for the club.
Standing at an imposing height of 6 feet 6 inches, he played a crucial role in the Super Lig side’s victory in the Turkish Cup during the 2022-23 season. He has also earned five caps for his national team and was part of their Euro 2020 squad.
Despite having a four-year contract extension signed with Fenerbahce in March, Bayindir might be enticed by the prospect of joining Man United, even if it means being the backup to Andre Onana.
The Red Devils are looking into a back injury that kept the goalkeeper out of the latter part of the 2022-23 season. Currently, he is undergoing preliminary medical tests with United.
Bayindir has already made four appearances this season after recovering from the injury and has achieved two clean sheets. However, he has been on the bench for his parent club’s two most recent games.
If the initial medical checks yield positive results, United might be able to secure their player for as little as €5 million (£4.3 million), assuming Henderson departs as expected.
The English star’s loan move to Nottingham Forest looks uncertain, as they have signed Matt Turner from Arsenal instead.
Nevertheless, Palace are optimistic about securing a deal for Henderson, potentially making him the fourth goalkeeper to leave Man United this summer after Matej Kovar, Nathan Bishop, and David de Gea.
Ten Hag could find himself with only two senior goalkeepers, Onana and Tom Heaton, in this situation. Heaton, who is in the final year of his contract, is also dealing with a calf injury.
The manager had to call up 19-year-old Radek Vitek for their recent 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. However, he is now actively seeking a more experienced backup goalkeeper.
United have shown interest in Benfica shot-stopper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
In the case of Bayindir, the star keeper is held in high regard in his home country and could be an excellent addition as the Red Devils second-choice goalkeeper.
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He may not have the profile to be the first-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford, but he certainly has the quality to be a reliable backup option for the club.
If United secure the Fenerbahce star’s transfer for their desired price, it would be considered a good deal for the Premier League giants.
