At the end of May, rumours linking one member of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United squad with a move away caused his so-called suitor to make a rather seldom-seen move.
Taking to social media, Trabzonspor went public in their attempts to calm the speculation suggesting that former Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could be on his way back to Turkey.
“Explanation; The news in the national and local press regarding the transfer of professional football player Altay Bayındır to our club does not reflect the truth,” Trabzonspor wrote via their commercial X account.
“Our club does not have any work (ongoing) regarding the player in question.”
Still, while Trabzonspor may be out of the picture, would it really be much of a surprise if Bayindir’s Manchester United career was to end after just one season and one first-team appearance?
While the shot-stopper has been nothing but professional despite only featuring vs Newport County in the FA Cup, Bayindir could be forgiven for wondering if Old Trafford really is the right place for him.
Especially with Andre Onana firmly established as Ten Hag’s number one, and having fallen behind Mert Gunok – author of that remarkable save against Austria – in Turkey’s Euro 2024 roster.
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Justin Bijlow was on United’s radar
Of course, if Bayindir was to go, United would need a replacement.
And one Dutch reporter feels that a £20 million-rated goalkeeper who held talks with Ten Hag’s side before Bayindir’s arrival in August 2023 would jump at the opportunity if it was to arise again, even if Justin Bijlow would have to get used to life on the substitute’s bench pretty quickly in England’s north west, per The Athletic.
“Bijlow was of interest to Manchester United and Arsenal, but as second keeper,” Driessen tells De Telegraaf. “He is used to that by now. He is even third keeper here (at the European Championships with the Netherlands).
“So, I think he can adapt to the role.”
Bijlow will be ‘gone’ if role is offered
Bijlow was the starting goalkeeper during Feyenoord’s 2023 Eredivisie title success under now-Liverpool boss Arne Slot. As you might have guessed, given the esteem he his held in by United, Arsenal and Slot, the 26-year-old is a very modern sort of glovesman.
One who, given his excellent passing range, almost acts as an extra outfield player when in possession.
“Certainly if he can go to such a big club, where you have so many matches…” Driessen adds, Europa League football at Man United potentially opening the door for more opportunities than were afforded to Bayindir.
“And I think that if those big clubs come forward for him, he is gone.”
Bijlow, like Braga’s Brazilian veteran Matheus, confirmed that there were discussions over a deal to take him to Old Trafford a year ago.
“There was contact (with United),” Bijlow told FR12. “I want to achieve the highest achievable in my career. When that is, we will see for ourselves.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/Z5eTdsl