Altay Bayindir’s future remains unclear, with Amorim eager to bring in a new keeper. Talks with Burnley’s James Trafford have been positive, while the club is also showing interest in prospects like Tyler Dibling and Lammens
Manchester United’s turbulent 2024–25 season continues to unfold, with the club currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League as of April 6, 2025. Under manager Rúben Amorim, the Red Devils are deep into a significant squad rebuild, and one of the areas under scrutiny is the goalkeeping department.
Altay Bayindir, the Turkish international signed from Fenerbahce in 2023 for £4.3 million, has struggled for game time since arriving at Old Trafford. Brought in as a backup to André Onana, Bayindir has made only a few appearances in domestic cup competitions, raising doubts about his future at the club. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the 26-year-old is eager to secure more minutes to bolster his chances of being Turkey’s starting goalkeeper. Reports from outlets like TeamTalk and Caught Offside suggest a return to Turkey is on the cards, with several clubs expressing interest in him. Posts from sources such as @UtdXclusive and @UnitedStandMUFC have further fueled speculation about his exit, noting his desire to pursue regular first-team football elsewhere.
Amid Bayindir’s uncertain future and Onana’s inconsistency, including high-profile mistakes against Ipswich Town and Arsenal, Manchester United are actively searching for new goalkeeping options. Amorim, who took the reins in November 2024, has defended Onana publicly but is reportedly keen to introduce strong competition in the position. One major target is Burnley’s James Trafford, a 22-year-old former Manchester City academy product. Trafford has impressed with a 1,000-minute clean sheet streak this season and even earned a call-up to the England national team under Thomas Tuchel. United’s interest in him has intensified, but they face competition from Newcastle United. Burnley, with promotion in their sights and backed by minority owner JJ Watt, are reluctant to part with Trafford mid-season and have placed a £30 million valuation on him.
United’s search doesn’t end there. Another name on their radar is Senne Lammens, the 22-year-old Royal Antwerp goalkeeper who’s had a standout campaign in the Belgian Pro League. Valued at €10 million, Lammens reportedly would be open to a move to Old Trafford if a formal offer is made. This aligns with the INEOS-led strategy of investing in promising young talents. The club is also keeping tabs on Lille’s Lucas Chevalier and Blackburn Rovers’ Aynsley Pears, though Trafford and Lammens remain the top targets.
Interestingly, United’s recruitment strategy extends beyond goalkeepers. Southampton’s highly rated 18-year-old winger Tyler Dibling has emerged as a target after the club missed out on Geovany Quenda, who opted to join Chelsea. Dibling, reportedly valued at £55 million, is seen as a potential solution to United’s lack of depth in wide areas.
The reshuffle could be even more significant with veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton expected to retire when his contract expires in June 2025. This scenario could leave United needing two new keepers before next season, making the situation a top priority for Amorim.
Fan opinions on social media are split. While some believe Onana should be offloaded in favor of giving Bayindir a chance, others argue for fresh competition, endorsing names like Trafford and Lammens. With the summer transfer window looming, United’s goalkeeping situation is shaping up to be a crucial subplot in the club’s ongoing rebuild under Amorim. Whether it’s Trafford, Lammens, or an unexpected name who ultimately joins, changes between the posts seem inevitable—and the pressure to get it right has rarely been greater.
