Transfer Centre

Celtic 'step up pursuit of 26-year-old Manchester United man'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 31 May 2024

Celtic 'step up pursuit of 26-year-old Man United man'

Celtic reportedly accelerate their plans to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and have readied a four-year contract for the Turkey international.

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have apparently stepped up their interest in signing an out-of-favour Manchester United man.

Turkey international Altay Bayindir was one of two new shot-stoppers to arrive at Old Trafford for the 2023-24 season, joining the Red Devils from Fenerbache on a four-year deal with the option of a fifth.

Bayindir joined at the same time as Inter Milan's Champions League finalist Andre Onana, who immediately inherited the number one jersey at the Theatre of Dreams following David de Gea's exit on a free transfer.

Bayindir was therefore aware that he would be playing second fiddle to Onana, with the potential for appearances in cup competitions, but Erik ten Hag barely gave him a look-in whatsoever last season.

The 26-year-old's first and only appearance for Man United to date came in a 4-2 FA Cup win over Newport County in January, which Onana was unavailable for due to his Africa Cup of Nations commitments.

Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir on September 3, 2023 © Reuters

Celtic to offer Bayindir four-year deal?

As Cameroon's run at the continental tournament was short-lived, Onana quickly demoted Bayindir back down to the bench, and the Turkey international is already being tipped to move on after his distinct lack of game time.

A return to his homeland with Galatasaray has been mooted for Bayindir, but according to Turkish outlet Aksam, the 26-year-old could instead continue on British shores for a little while longer.

The report claims that a transfer to Celtic has been lined up for the Man United number two, who is set to sign a four-year contract with Brendan Rodgers's side until the end of the 2027-28 season.

Bayindir will arrive at Parkhead as a replacement for ex-Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has already confirmed that he will retire from professional football at the end of the campaign.

Man United forked out a paltry €5m (£4.3m) to sign the Turkey international last year, but the Red Devils can expect to pocket a small profit from any sale this summer, even if he declares at one appearance for the club.

Which goalkeepers could replace Bayindir at Man United?

Sunderland's Anthony Patterson in action on March 18, 2023 © Reuters

Many have sympathised with Bayindir's situation while raising their eyebrows at Ten Hag's stance over goalkeepers in cup competitions, only not selecting Onana for FA Cup or EFL Cup games when the Cameroonian is unavailable.

Bayindir has still been included in Turkey's Euro 2024 squad despite his underwhelming first season at Old Trafford, but an exit is seemingly the best move for both parties this summer, especially as another backup stopper in Tom Heaton is hopeful of staying on.

In terms of potential replacements for Bayindir, Man United are apparently on the lookout for goalkeepers who can directly challenge Onana for the number one spot, and Sunderland's Anthony Patterson might fit the bill.

Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas is also said to be on the radar of Red Devils chiefs, although bitter rivals Manchester City are apparently at the head of the queue for his services.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale and Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher - both sick of being second choice at their clubs - should also be on the move, albeit most likely to clubs where they will be undisputed number ones.