Not Ugarte – Turkish giants keen to recruit ‘Absolutely hopeless’ Man Utd star on deadline day | OneFootball

Not Ugarte – Turkish giants keen to recruit ‘Absolutely hopeless’ Man Utd star on deadline day | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Stretty News

Stretty News

·6 February 2026

Not Ugarte – Turkish giants keen to recruit ‘Absolutely hopeless’ Man Utd star on deadline day

Article image:Not Ugarte – Turkish giants keen to recruit ‘Absolutely hopeless’ Man Utd star on deadline day

Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is reportedly a target for Besiktas, who are aiming to bolster their ranks on deadline day.

The Turkish custodian joined the Premier League giants in the summer of 2023. Despite Andre Onana’s recurring howlers, Bayindir never managed to usurp him in the pecking order, until the start of the current campaign, when the Cameroonian was placed on the transfer list.


OneFootball Videos


Ruben Amorim gave the 27-year-old the nod in the early matches of the season. He made six appearances in the Premier League while the club was waiting for Senne Lammens to sign and then settle at Carrington.

However, the Turkish international didn’t cover himself in glory when he was given a rare run. Craig Burley described Bayindir as ‘absolutely hopeless’ at coming out and dealing with aerial ball following the defeat to Man City in September.

Besiktas will try to sign Altay Bayindir on Friday

Despite his unconvincing displays at Old Trafford, Bayindir still has suitors in his home country.

According to talkSPORT, Besiktas are still determined to sign a new goalkeeper before the Turkish transfer deadline on Friday evening. The Istanbul-based giants have set their sights on Man United’s backup shot-stopper, in addition to Leeds United’s Illan Meslier.

Article image:Not Ugarte – Turkish giants keen to recruit ‘Absolutely hopeless’ Man Utd star on deadline day

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Earlier reports had also suggested that Man Utd would be willing to listen to offers for Bayindir, although this was prior to the market’s closure in England.

The Bursa native, who made himself a name at Bekitas’ rivals Fenerbahce, could be open to the move, as it might help him bolster his World Cup chances, should Turkiye qualify for the expanded summer tournament.

Should Man Utd consider parting ways with Bayindir in mid-season?

With Lammens now establishing himself as the undisputed first choice at United, Bayindir has been relegated to the bench. Moreover, the club has already exited both domestic cups, and didn’t qualify for any European competitions in the first place.

Hence, barring an injury for the Belgian, the Turkish goalkeeper is unlikely to be given the nod between now and the end of the season should he stay at Carrington.

However, Man Utd would weaken their goalkeeping department by parting ways with Lammens’ understudy without being able to sign a replacement, as the transfer market in England ended on Monday. 39-year-old Tom Heaton would automatically become the second choice.

Therefore, United would be wise to keep Bayindir in their ranks until the end of the season, and then replace him next summer, either by signing a new goalkeeper or putting their trust in 22-year-old Radek Vitek, who has been impressive in his loan spell at Bristol City.

View publisher imprint