Altay Bayindir's time at Manchester United appears to be nearing its end, with La Liga side Celta Vigo poised to sign the goalkeeper on a loan deal.
The Turkey international arrived from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023 but has featured only 17 times in three seasons at Old Trafford. He spent his first two years as understudy to Andre Onana before Senne Lammens took over as the club's No. 1 last summer.
Why Bayindir is on his way out
Karl Darlow's free-transfer arrival earlier this summer added further competition for places, and reports have long suggested Bayindir's prospects at United were limited. According to Metropolitano, Celta Vigo are close to securing Bayindir on a temporary basis, with the deal almost completely wrapped up. The La Liga club are reportedly hoping to announce the agreement next week, with the goalkeeper expected to link up with his new squad at a training camp in Italy.
AS, meanwhile, reports that the 28-year-old could undergo a medical on Sunday or Monday to finalise the move. The Manchester Evening News said on Saturday that Celta Vigo were leading the chase for Bayindir's signature.
Medical expected this weekend
Despite the mounting speculation, Bayindir was included in United's squad for Saturday's pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in Sweden. Bryan Mbeumo scored twice as United secured a 2-1 triumph over the Spanish side in Stockholm.
Speaking after the win, manager Michael Carrick told MUTV: “The spirit and the camaraderie is so important for the team, it’s great to see the boys getting on so naturally and enjoying each other’s company. Collectively we looked strong as a team, which is always the most important thing, and individual performances seeing the young players come on to have an impact.”
Carrick reacts to pre-season win
The exact timing of Bayindir's departure remains unclear, though all indications suggest the goalkeeper's stint at United is drawing to a close, albeit via a loan arrangement.
