Manchester United block Altay Bayındır exit after Beşiktaş agreement

Manchester United blocked Altay Bayındır’s proposed January exit at the last minute, despite an agreement reportedly being in place with Beşiktaş.

The Turkey international began the season as United’s first-choice goalkeeper, starting ahead of André Onana after the Cameroonian joined Trabzonspor on loan. However, the landscape shifted following the late summer arrival of Senne Lammens. By October, Bayındır had lost his starting role and has since been confined largely to the bench.

Interest from Turkey had been building for months. Beşiktaş were previously linked with the 27-year-old, alongside other Premier League-based goalkeepers.

According to Turkish outlet A Spor, journalist Kartal Yiğit claims Beşiktaş had reached an agreement with Manchester United to secure Bayındır’s services before the Turkish transfer window closed. The player himself was said to have made a “great sacrifice” to facilitate the move.

However, United reportedly halted the transfer at the “last minute”, preventing the deal from being finalised.

The Premier League window closed on 2 February, while the Turkish market remained open for several more days. That timing initially appeared to give Beşiktaş a workable route to complete the transfer.

With André Onana out on loan, United are currently operating with Senne Lammens as first choice, Bayındır as deputy and veteran Tom Heaton as additional cover.

Releasing Bayındır would have left the club light in the goalkeeping department for the remainder of the campaign. That likely influenced the decision to keep him, even if it meant frustrating both player and suitor.

Eagle Media, relaying Yiğit’s report, described United’s position as a “surprise stance”. Beşiktaş subsequently turned to AS Roma’s Devis Vásquez, signing him on loan as an alternative solution.

Bayındır has not featured prominently in recent weeks and did not play in United’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in January.

From a player perspective, the blocked move represents a missed opportunity for regular football. However, with the season entering a critical phase, United appear to have prioritised stability over squad trimming.

Bayındır’s situation will likely resurface in the summer window. If his role remains limited behind Lammens, interest from Turkey or elsewhere could return.

For now, Manchester United retain him as cover as they navigate the remainder of the campaign.

Should Manchester United have allowed Bayındır to leave for regular football?