Altay Bayindir: Manchester United respond to Besiktas’ late move | OneFootball

Manchester United upgraded their goalkeeping department last summer by signing Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. The Red Devils were looking for an upgrade on the error-prone Andre Onana, who had struggled to impress since arriving from Inter Milan two years ago.

Former United head coach Ruben Amorim started the season with Altay Bayindir between the sticks, but the Turkey international was hardly an upgrade on the Cameroonian. The situation prompted INEOS to complete a late move for the relatively unproven Lammens.

Onana, meanwhile, was sent out on a season-long loan to Turkish club Trabzonspor. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that the 29 year old has already played his last game for the Red Devils.

Meanwhile, Lammens made his debut for the Premier League giants at the beginning of October, against Sunderland, and he marked the occasion by picking up a clean sheet. The Belgian has played every minute of every game since and has also been the preferred choice for the No. 1 role under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.

A colossal presence between the sticks

United’s pursuit of Lammens raised quite a few eyebrows, especially since they were also linked with the Premier League-proven Emiliano Martinez last summer. However, the Red Devils stuck to their decision, and the Belgian has already repaid their trust.

While United’s turbulent campaign has been marked by defensive issues, Lammens has managed three clean sheets from 18 games in the Premier League so far.

Senne Lammens Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Premier League Website.

The Belgian has also been solid at defending set pieces, something that had been United’s bane in recent times. In contrast, Bayindir failed to register any clean sheet in six appearances this campaign, while he also looked vulnerable at set pieces.

A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person linked the Turkish custodian with a move to Besiktas in January. An update on the matter has now emerged.

Besiktas step up Bayindir pursuit

According to TEAMtalk, the Turkish club have identified Bayindir as an option to strengthen their goalkeeping department before the transfer window closes in the country this Friday.

“Turkish giants Besiktas have stepped up their frantic search for a new goalkeeper and have now asked about the availability of Manchester United’s Altay Bayindir amid complications in their bid to prise Illan Meslier from Leeds, TEAMtalk understands.”

“However, as it stands, sources have told us that both moves currently look unlikely and need some hurdles to overcome before the Turkish side can secure a green light. For starters, Man Utd have swiftly told Besiktas that they are not in a position to let him leave.”

Bayindir’s possible departure would leave Tom Heaton as the only senior cover for Lammens in the squad, which may be why United are reluctant to let him go.

Final Thoughts

While a move is unlikely in the middle of the campaign, United could be open to Bayindir’s departure this summer, when the talented Radek Vitek is set to return from a loan spell with Bristol City. The Czech goalkeeper has impressed in the Championship this season and could be ready to compete with Lammens for the No. 1 position at Old Trafford.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social