Manchester United’s £5m Official Bid for Solution to Ten Hag’s Goalkeeper Challenge
Manchester United strengthens their goalkeeping options after Andre Onana’s arrival, searching for dependable backup amid departures.
In the latest developments, Manchester United have taken a definitive step towards reinforcing their goalkeeper roster.
Following Andre Onana’s arrival, enhancing Erik ten Hag’s lineup, the club is actively seeking a reliable backup shot-stopper.
Dean Henderson’s likely departure this summer and the potential move of backup goalkeeper Matej Kovar to Aston Villa have prompted this search.
While initial interest centered around Urawa Reds’ Zion Suzuki, the Japanese goalkeeper opted to remain in his homeland instead of joining the ranks of Man Utd.
The focus has now shifted to Altay Bayindir, the Fenerbahce custodian, as a promising solution to their goalkeeping puzzle.
CNN Turkey reports that Manchester United has initiated official negotiations to secure Bayindir’s services for the upcoming season.
Altay Bayindir is An Affordable option for Manchester United
Despite being a backup, Bayindir’s experience is commendable, with an impressive 175 career appearances at the age of 25.
Since his arrival at Fenerbahce in the 2019-20 season, he has predominantly held the number one position.
With a projected cost of approximately £5 million, Bayindir presents a sensible investment for a backup goalkeeper.
Although his contract extends until 2027, a release clause in his agreement allows him to be acquired at an affordable price during this transfer window.
It’s worth noting that Ajax has also shown interest in Bayindir’s talents.
A move to Manchester United would undoubtedly be a monumental leap for the Turkish goalkeeper.
However, he may anticipate spending a significant amount of time on the bench, given Ten Hag’s intention to back Onana as the primary choice for the upcoming campaign.
Manchester United Backs Andre Onana as New Number One
Erik ten Hag has expressed his confidence in Onana, who is set to take the reins as the new number-one goalkeeper.
The manager recently shared his insights into the strengths that Onana would bring to the team.
In this intriguing transfer pursuit, Manchester United aims to fortify their goalkeeping department by exploring the potential addition of Altay Bayindir, a goalkeeper boasting remarkable experience and promise.
The negotiations, guided by the backdrop of Onana’s emergence as the new lead goalkeeper, highlight the club’s strategic approach to securing a balanced and capable roster for the challenges ahead.
“Most important, always for a keeper, is clean sheets and he’s not doing that on his own,”
Ten Hag said to the club website.
“Therefore, you need a very good defensive organisation, [it’s] quite clear. But also the capabilities of a keeper is [about] keeping the goal clean. So this is the first criterion of a good goalkeeper.
But, nowadays, football also demands good playing from the back, out-playing qualities, and that is a quality Andre has. You need both and you need to cover both areas. So yeah, we’re happy, of course.
I think with his physical presence and also with his personality, he is so keen on winning. He’s so, so eager to win trophies and he will help the team and he will help the squad to get to higher levels.”
