Man United first departure under Michael Carrick confirmed as Club agrees to sell 27 year player despite impressing Michael Carrick in recent games
Manchester United are on the verge of confirming their first outgoing transfer since Michael Carrick took charge, with reports indicating that Altay Bayindir is set to seal a return to Turkey. Despite showing encouraging signs in recent matches and doing enough to catch Carrick’s attention, the 27-year-old goalkeeper is now heading for the exit after the club agreed terms with Besiktas ahead of the summer window.
Bayindir joined United from Fenerbahce in 2023 and has made 17 appearances in all competitions for the 20-time English champions. He featured 10 times last season and began the 2025/26 campaign as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. The Turkish international started United’s opening six Premier League matches before losing his place to Senne Lammens, who arrived from Royal Antwerp last summer and quickly established himself in the starting lineup.
Although Bayindir still has a contract running until June 2027, with the option of an additional year, it appears his time at Old Trafford is coming to an early conclusion. Turkish outlet Fanatik reports that Besiktas have struck a deal worth around £4.4 million to bring the goalkeeper back to his homeland once the transfer window officially opens.
Bayindir brings significant experience from his time in Turkey, having made 145 appearances for Fenerbahce prior to his move to England. Overall, he has featured 133 times in the Turkish top flight, including 116 outings for Fenerbahce and 17 for MKE Ankaragucu, underlining his pedigree in the Super Lig.
His departure would leave United needing clarity in the goalkeeping department. Andre Onana is expected to return from his loan spell at Trabzonspor this summer and reportedly hopes to reclaim the number one shirt. However, there is also speculation that Onana could be sold, with the club potentially targeting a new signing to compete with Lammens next season.
Another option could be young goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who has impressed while on loan at Bristol City. The 22-year-old is pushing for involvement in the senior squad for the 2026/27 season and may yet benefit from the reshuffle between the posts as Carrick continues shaping his squad for the future.
