Manchester United offload unwanted star as another nears exit: report

Manchester United's soon-to-be replaced home ground, Old Trafford
Old Trafford (Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United have reached an agreement to offload goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to La Liga side Celta Vigo, according to a recent transfer report.

The 28-year-old Turkish international is set to complete a season-long loan move to Spain after finding first-team opportunities limited at Old Trafford.

Celta Vigo manager Claudio Giraldez has reportedly identified Bayindir as his primary target to strengthen his goalkeeping options and provide direct competition for Andrei Radu.

Manchester United duo set to depart on loan

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick will bid farewell to a goalkeeper and a striker from last season's squad (Image credit: Getty Images)

The two clubs are said to have agreed on terms for the loan deal, with documentation and medical checks set to be finalised before Bayindir formally joins up with his new team in Spain.

Bayindir arrived at Manchester United in September 2023 from Turkish giants Fenerbahce in a deal worth approximately £4.3 million (€5m).

Altay Bayindir of Manchester United looks dejected during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England.

Altay Bayindir of Manchester United (Image credit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

However, his three years in England ultimately proved frustrating as he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, as well as making a handful of high-profile errors.

Across his entire spell with Manchester United, Bayindir made just 17 appearances in all competitions. He spent his first two seasons primarily acting as understudy to Andre Onana, before serving in a similar backup role behind Senne Lammens.

Despite occasional opportunities, Bayindir's path to regular playing time was permanently blocked, aside from a brief period at the beginning of last season under Ruben Amorim.

The arrival of former Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer has further demoted him in the squad depth chart. With 40-year-old veteran Tom Heaton also offering experienced cover, Bayindir is on his way out.

Meanwhile, there is a the possibility that out-of-favour striker Joshua Zirkzee will join Juventus, as per Gianluca Di Marzio.

Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United looks dejected as he is consoled by team mate Joshua Zirkzee after being shown a red card for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United

Joshua Zirkzee had to get used to cameos from the bench under Carrick (Image credit: Getty Images)

It is suggested the player's representatives are in talks with the Italian giants, as well as club-to-club talks having been initiated.

Zirkzee joined the Red Devils from Serie A club Bologna two summers ago but has managed just nine goals in 75 appearances.

A loan move for the striker is the deal most likely to be agreed between the two clubs given Zirkzee's contract does not expire at Old Trafford until June 2029.

Joe Donnohue
Senior Digital Writer

Joe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.

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