INEOS U-Turn: Manchester United Set to Offload Bayindir After Blocking January Switch

Manchester United have performed an about-face on Altay Bayindir's future, moving towards offloading the goalkeeper after previously blocking his exit during the winter window.

The 27-year-old Turkish stopper, who arrived from Fenerbahce in 2023 for approximately £4.3m, faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford as the club's new hierarchy reassesses their goalkeeping situation.

Bayindir's journey at United has been one of rotation rather than regularity. Signed initially as understudy to Andre Onana, he's enjoyed spells in the starting lineup over the past year, though neither he nor Onana proved capable of commanding the position convincingly. That changed with the summer arrival of Senne Lammens, who has established himself as the club's first-choice keeper and hasn't relinquished the jersey since.

Back in January, Turkish sources claimed Bayindir was primed for a last-minute switch to Besiktas, with the transfer reportedly on the verge of completion. United pulled the plug at the eleventh hour, seemingly unwilling to leave themselves exposed in the goalkeeper department.

That stance has now shifted. According to Turkish newspaper Fanatik, United's decision-makers have reversed course, with the club now open to a €5m offer and an agreement said to be in place for a summer departure.

The timing coincides with reports that Onana—currently on loan at Trabzonspor—has been promised a chance to compete with Lammens for the number one role next season. Should the young Dutch keeper maintain his current standards, however, such competition may prove academic.

Club legend Edwin van der Sar has offered his assessment of Lammens' early impact, speaking to Sky Bet with measured optimism: "He's doing well. Of course, it's only been seven or eight months, but it certainly looks like he knows the physicality of the Premier League – I see him coming for balls in the penalty spot and he claims them with confidence, makes saves when needed, not looking to make saves when not necessary. I'm not here day-to-day and I don't see all of the games, but he looks like he has a good package with him to be here for a long time."

If Lammens sustains this form, United may have finally found their long-term solution between the sticks—leaving little room for Bayindir in the pecking order.