Struggling giants hellbent on signing ‘absolutely outstanding’ Man Utd star who lost his starting spot

Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could be set for a homecoming, as Besiktas would like to bring him back to Turkiye.The Istanbul-based giants started their campaign on a torrid note, as they were eliminated from the qualifiers for both the Europa League and the Conference League.The club thus decided to sack Man Utd legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and replace him with Sergen Yalcin. However, Besiktas have yet to turn the corner, as they currently reside 8th in the Super Lig, a place that doesn’t befit their historical status as 16-time Turkish champions.(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Besiktas add Altay Bayindir to goalkeepers’ shortlistIn January, the Black-and-White giants will be determined to ring the changes, and the goalkeeping department is one they’d like to address.While the experienced Mert Gonuk and the younger Ersin Destanoğlu have been sharing the starting gloves since the start of the season, neither has truly won the plaudits. Thus, Besiktas are looking to sign a profile who can be an upgrade on both custodians.According to Turkish reporter Erol Evcen, the club has set its sights on Bayindir, who has been plying his trade at Carrington since 2023. 🚨 Manchester United forması giyen 27 yaşındaki Altay Bayındır, Beşiktaş’ın kaleci listesinde bulunuyor. — Erol Evcen (@ErolEvcenn) November 21, 2025Despite Andre Onana’s struggles over the past two seasons, the 27-year-old wasn’t able to usurp the Cameroonian in the hierarchy, as his displays weren’t always convincing.Nevertheless, Bayindir has occasionally produced the goods, especially in last season’s FA Cup victory over Arsenal, when Mikel Arteta hailed him for his ‘absolutely outstanding’ heroics.Man Utd shouldn’t offload Bayindir in JanuaryThis season, the former Fenerbahce man began the campaign as a starter in the transitional phase between Onana and Senne Lammens, but the latter eventually cemented himself as the undisputed first choice between the sticks following a series of impressive displays. Bayindir’s Man Utd stats Appearances Goals Conceded Clean Sheets 25/26 6 11 0 24/25 10 18 3 23/24 1 2 0 Total 17 31 3 Moreover, United could be tempted to bring Radek Vitek back to the club on the back of his solid loan stint at Bristol City. Therefore, Bayindir’s departure feels inevitable, but Amorim would likely want him to stay until June, as he doesn’t want to be caught short-handed in case of an injury to Lammens.So it remains to be seen if Besiktas will have the patience to wait until the summer to sign their man.