27-year-old Man Utd man retaining contact with European suitor to make summer move as straightforward as possible

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Stretty News

·16 February 2026

27-year-old Man Utd man retaining contact with European suitor to make summer move as straightforward as possible

Manchester United outcast Altay Bayindir has maintained his relationship with Besiktas in order to allow for a straightforward summer transfer, as per Sport Witness.

Indeed, the backup shot-stopper is preparing for a move away from Old Trafford at the end of the season in hopes of securing a No.1 role for the first time in three years.

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How Bayindir’s Red Devils tenure has played out

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Bayindir was originally brought in in 2023 to play second fiddle to then-new signing Andre Onana, until the Cameroonian’s dismal showings led to him being offloaded on loan last September.

At the time, Bayindir had occupied a starting spot for a brief period at the start of the season after Ruben Amorim had demoted Onana.

When the 27-year-old failed to impress in the six Premier League matches he started, during which he conceded 11 goals and couldn’t keep a clean sheet, Amorim pushed for the arrival of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.

A deal was agreed on deadline day to bring the young ‘keeper in on a five-year deal, and after easing him into the action by having him on the bench for the first three games of his tenure, Lammens became the first-choice between the sticks.

Bayindir ready to seal summer move as soon as window opens

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Bayindir was consequently made to drop back down to the bench, where he has stayed since United’s defeat to Brentford on September 27; Darren Fletcher even opted against utilising him for the side’s FA Cup opener last month.

Alas, you can completely understand why the former Fenerbahce star is already plotting for his exit come the end of 2025/2026.

Besiktas were hoping to facilitate a deal for him in the January window, but United made it clear Bayindir wasn’t for sale, as it would’ve left only Lammens and 39-year-old Tom Heaton as senior options in the goalkeeping department.