Manchester United are searching the market for a new backup goalkeeper, as they’re about to part ways with Altay Bayindir.
The 28-year-old has been called up by the Turkish national team for the World Cup, but he’s not expected to be the first choice, chiefly because of his secondary status at Old Trafford.
Bayindir joined Man Utd in the summer of 2023, but spent his first two campaigns as an understudy for Andre Onana, and held a similar role this season behind Senne Lammens.
Altay Bayindir set to part ways with Man United
At the start of the season, the Turkish international was given a rare starting run, while Onana was on his way out, and Lammens still adjusting to his new surroundings.
But once the Belgian settled at Carrington, he became the ultimate first choice at Ruben Amorim’s court, annihilating the competition with his remarkable displays between the sticks.
By the end of the campaign, Bayindir had only made six appearances, so he feels it is past time for him to bag his bags and leave the club.
On Tuesday morning, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Bursa native’s desire to depart in search of a more prominent role.
“The current plan at Manchester United remains for Altay Bayindir to leave and get regular game time,” posted the Italian journalist on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“MUFC working on new backup GK while Tom Heaton stays as third GK.”
🚨 The current plan at Manchester United remains for Altay Bayindir to leave and get regular game time.#MUFC working on new backup GK while Tom Heaton stays as third GK. pic.twitter.com/CX60uzvRUz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 9, 2026
Bayindir’s best memory at Man Utd remains against Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup back in January 2025. Mikel Arteta hailed the shot-stopper for his ‘absolutely outstanding’ performance after helping the Red Devils advance with his heroics in the penalty shootouts.
Who could replace Bayindir at Man Utd
While Romano didn’t reveal any names, The Athletic had weighed in on the situation earlier in the day, identifying two experienced Premier League goalkeepers as potential replacements for Bayindir at Man Utd.
The first is Karl Darlow, a 35-year-old Welsh international, who surprisingly became Leeds United’s first choice during the second half of the season after usurping Lucas Perri in the pecking order. The experienced custodian will be a free agent once his contract with the Peacocks expires at the end of the month.
| Stats in 25/26 | Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
| Senne Lammens | 37 | 45 | 8 |
| Altay Bayindir | 6 | 11 | 0 |
| Karl Darlow | 24 | 29 | 5 |
| Sam Johnstone | 17 | 30 | 2 |
The second is Sam Johnstone, who has been serving as backup for Jose Sa at Wolves since 2024. This would be a homecoming for the 33-year-old who started his career at Man United. His addition would boost the club’s Champions League list, given his academy-product status. The goalkeeper’s contract with the relegated side is valid until June 2028.
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