Manchester United clinched a deal to sign goalkeeper Altay Bayindir on transfer deadline day.
Altay Bayindir will be Manchester United’s back-up goalkeeper and signs for a fee of just £4.3 million, BBC Sport report.
Speaking to club media, the Turkish stopper said: “I have a passion for success, and I will give everything to help this special group of players to achieve our ambitions.
“I cannot wait to start working with such an experienced goalkeeping unit. We will support each other and drive high standards every day so that each of us is ready to perform whenever called upon.”
Ten Hag wanted Bayindir at Ajax
As with nearly all of the signings Manchester United have made under Erik ten Hag, there is a connection.
Turkish outlet Fanatik reported that Ajax started scouting Altay Bayindir in 2021, with sporting director Marc Overmars making enquiries over a deal.
Two years on the Dutchman has got his man, with Bayindir signed as a back-up on Andre Onana.
Fascinatingly, Onana was Ajax’s goalkeeper at the time when Ajax began looking at Bayindir.
Bayindir exited with replacement already signed
Altay Bayindir’s exit from Fenerbahce was made easier by the Turkish Super Lig’s decision to sign Croatia number one Dominik Livakovic.
And there is a little debate whether Livakovic was signed to replace Bayindir, or simply because he was leaving.
Milliyet report that ‘bumpy performance’ from Bayindir sparked a negative reaction from fans, which caused them to simultaneously start considering offers to let him go, and push to sign a new goalkeeper.
Bayindir was said to be willing to fight for his spot, but upon learning Fenerbahce’s plans to sign Livakovic, started warming up to the idea of leaving.
Bayindir still left with the full appreciation of the Fenerbahce hierarchy, with club president Ali Koc even attending the airport ahead of his departure.
Whatever the exact timeline of the circumstances over his move, Manchester United have landed a Turkey international for a bargain price, who Erik ten Hag has had his eye on for a while. That’s good business.
