Altay Bayindir’s future remains unclear, with Amorim eager to bring in a new keeper

The winds of change continue to blow across Old Trafford, and one player who now finds himself caught in the middle is Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. With new head coach Ruben Amorim pushing ahead with a bold squad overhaul, Bayindir’s position at Manchester United is growing more uncertain by the day.

Since joining the Red Devils from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of £4.3 million, Bayindir has struggled to establish himself as a regular presence in the team. Signed initially as a backup to André Onana, the 26-year-old has spent most of his time on the bench, featuring primarily in cup competitions and friendlies.

As of April 6, 2025, Manchester United are languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table—a position far below the standards expected at the club. With underperformance across the pitch, Amorim’s plans for a long-term rebuild have taken on new urgency, and Bayindir may soon be one of the casualties of that project.

Sources close to the club, including reports from the Manchester Evening News and Caught Offside, suggest that United are actively exploring options to revamp their goalkeeping department. Onana’s inconsistent form has become a source of frustration, not only for the fans but also within the coaching staff, with Amorim reportedly questioning his reliability between the sticks.

This has led United to cast their net wide in search of a new goalkeeper, with Burnley’s James Trafford emerging as one of the top targets. Trafford, who holds the record for the most expensive English goalkeeper signing by Burnley, has impressed with his maturity and shot-stopping ability despite Burnley’s struggles.

In addition to Trafford, United have also expressed interest in Southampton wonderkid Tyler Dibling. Though Dibling is primarily an attacking midfielder, the club sees potential in investing in versatile young talent who can adapt under Amorim’s developmental model.

Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, currently with Royal Antwerp, is another name on the radar. The 22-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance in Belgium’s Pro League and is viewed as a long-term project who could be developed into a starting-caliber keeper over time.

Meanwhile, Bayindir’s own career prospects hang in the balance. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, he is desperate for regular playing time to cement his place in Turkey’s national team squad. A continued lack of minutes at United would severely hamper his chances of being selected.

Privately, Bayindir is believed to be open to a move, especially if a guaranteed starting role can be offered elsewhere. Though no official offers have yet been made public, interest is expected to come from both within the Premier League and from top clubs in Turkey and Germany.

His limited appearances since arriving at Old Trafford have done little to justify his potential. While his shot-stopping skills and composure on the ball have earned praise in training, the lack of real match exposure has stunted his development at a critical stage in his career.

For Amorim, the decision may ultimately come down to whether Bayindir is willing to accept a reduced role again next season—or if a clean break is best for both parties. With a sweeping rebuild underway, sentimentality is unlikely to play a role in future decisions.

What’s clear is that Amorim sees the goalkeeping position as one that needs urgent reinforcement if United are to climb back into contention for European football. After years of defensive instability, securing a reliable presence in goal is now viewed as a non-negotiable.

If Trafford or another target is signed, Bayindir will likely be pushed even further down the pecking order. That scenario would almost certainly trigger a departure, with the summer transfer window expected to bring fresh movement.

Fans, too, are divided. Some believe Bayindir never received a fair chance to prove himself, while others argue that he lacked the quality needed to challenge for the No. 1 shirt at a club of United’s stature.

With less than two months remaining in the season, all eyes will be on how United and Amorim handle the situation. The future of Altay Bayindir—once considered a promising understudy—now hinges on swift decisions behind the scenes.

Should he leave, Bayindir will do so having never truly made his mark in Manchester. But in a career where timing and opportunity are everything, a change of scenery might be exactly what he needs to reignite his ambitions.

Stay tuned to K⚽⚽LMEDIA for more updates on Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation and all the breaking transfer stories across Europe.