Ten Hag very excited – as completed deal sparks fourth Man Utd signing; flight and medical booked
With Erik ten Hag's fourth major signing moving closer to arrival, an announced deal will give a Manchester United move the final push it needs.
The Red Devils are looking for a backup goalkeeper to replace Andre Onana. Dean Henderson will be given permission to go once he has signed, with Crystal Palace presently leading Nottingham Forest in the chase.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United initially had Odysseas Vlachodimos of Benfica as their main priority. However, when Benfica president Rui Costa estimated a price tag of ‘at least £8.5m,’ United looked elsewhere.
They went with Altay Bayindir, a Fenerbahce and Turkey international who was available for a little lower cost.
According to Turkish media, an arrangement worth roughly £6 million (with add-ons) had been reached.
A slew of hints that the move is taking shape swiftly followed, including one from Fenerbahce’s manager, Ismail Kartal.
Kartal addressed the Bayindir rumours after his team’s crushing 5-1 Europa League victory over Twente on Thursday night, saying, “I would like to thank Altay for his services.”
“He embarked on a new adventure, and I wish him the best of luck.”
On Friday, Bayindir was sighted at the Ataturk General Aviation Terminal before reportedly traveling to England. According to Sports Digitale, a physical has been scheduled, and if cleared, Bayindir will sign his Man Utd deal.
Another indication that Manchester United is preparing to sign No. 4 has emerged.
Fenerbahce’s official website has confirmed the arrival of Bayindir’s potential replacement in the goalkeeping position.
The Turkish behemoth has announced the signing of Croatia international Dominik Livakovic from Dinamo Zagreb. According to Fabrizio Romano, Fenerbahce paid a set cost of €6.65 million and agreed to an additional €950,000 in add-ons.
With Fenerbahce’s acquisition of Bayindir’s replacement, nothing stands in the way of his intended move to Old Trafford.
