Ten Hag ‘counting days’ for Man United to sign 25-year-old – Manager obsessed’ with player
Reported by Sports Digitale journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu on Friday, Fenerbahçe’s goalkeeper Altay Bayındır was anticipated to make a journey on the previous day for the purpose of finalizing his transfer to Manchester United.
Ali Koç, the president of Fenerbahçe, appeared at the airport to bid farewell to the 25-year-old player before his departure to Old Trafford.
As reported by Fanatik, Bayındır has already embarked on a trip to England via a private jet. Following medical examinations, he is expected to put pen to paper on a contract with Manchester United.
While Manchester United had earlier secured the signing of André Onana during the summer, Erik ten Hag, the manager, desires to include the Turkish international in his squad. It’s worth noting that Ten Hag had previously tried to acquire Bayındır for Ajax, and now he appears to be instrumental in driving Manchester United’s pursuit of the player.
The report mentions that Ten Hag is eagerly awaiting the completion of this deal by Manchester United.
Dutch journalist Rian Rosendaal has provided insights into why Ten Hag admires the Turkish goalkeeper. He stated, “Ten Hag personally likes Altay very much because he’s a young and developing goalkeeper. He’s only 25 and has a tall physique as a goalkeeper. Being 1.98m is a great advantage… The most important feature Ten Hag likes is that Altay uses his feet. Altay can use his feet more effectively… This seems to have greatly influenced the Dutch coach. Ten Hag is obsessed with him. He is also aware that he can get efficiency from Altay for a long time…”
Upon the completion of the deal, Bayındır is expected to compete with Onana for the position of No.1 goalkeeper at Manchester United. Initially, he may serve as a backup to the Cameroonian goalkeeper.
During the last season, Bayındır achieved 14 clean sheets and conceded 45 goals across 40 matches.