Manchester United Sign Fenerbahce Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir
Manchester United have completed the signing of Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir on a £4.5million deal. The 25-year-old becomes the first Turkish player to play for the club after signing a five-year deal.
United moved for the goalkeeper to replace Dean Henderson, who has joined Crystal Palace in a £20m move. The Turkey international arrives at Old Trafford with 166 career appearances to his name, keeping 53 clean sheets in that time.
Bayindir was a key part of Fenerbahce’s cup-winning side last term, while they finished runners-up in the Super Lig. He will battle Andre Onana for a starting spot in the side and Bayindir says he cannot wait to get started.
‘It is a huge honour to join Manchester United and become the first Turkish player to represent this incredible club,’ the Turk said. ‘I have a passion for success, and I will give everything to help this special group of players to achieve our ambitions. I cannot wait to start working with such an experienced goalkeeping unit. We will support each other and drive high standards every day so that each of us is ready to perform whenever called upon.’
Bayindir is United’s first signing of the summer transfer window and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is delighted with the capture. ‘Altay is a talented goalkeeper who has great potential,’ Solskjaer said. ‘He has already achieved a lot in his career and we are looking forward to helping him develop even further here at Manchester United.’
The signing of Bayindir is a statement of intent from United, who are looking to challenge for the Premier League title next season. The Red Devils have been linked with a number of top players in recent weeks, including Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
Bayindir will now compete with David de Gea and Henderson for the starting spot between the sticks at Old Trafford. He has been capped four times by Turkey and will be looking to make an impact in the Premier League next season.
For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.