Celta Vigo officially sign Altay Bayindir

Altay Bayindir arrived at Manchester United in 2023 with hopes of challenging for the number-one shirt, but his three years at Old Trafford have largely been spent waiting for opportunities.

The Turkey international initially served as Andre Onana’s deputy after joining from Fenerbahce, however his first season brought only one appearance.

Bayindir received more opportunities during the 2024/25 campaign and produced one of his most memorable United performances against Arsenal in the FA Cup, saving a penalty during normal time before making another stop in the shootout.

Nevertheless, he remained behind Onana in the goalkeeping hierarchy.

The picture changed again last season. Bayindir began the campaign in goal after Onana fell out of favour and departed on loan, only for summer signing Senne Lammens to establish himself as United’s new number one.

Bayindir consequently returned to a supporting role and ended the season with only six appearances.

That early run briefly offered Bayindir the sustained opportunity he had waited for, but Lammens quickly made the position his own.

Once the Belgium international established himself, there was no clear route for Bayindir to reclaim a regular starting place.

Now, Celta Vigo have officially announced, via their website, the signing of Bayindir on loan from Manchester United for the 2026/27 campaign.

Taking to their official website, Celta Vigo announced: “Celta and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the loan of Altay Bayindir with an option to buy.”

The move gives the 28-year-old an opportunity to secure the regular first-team football that was becoming increasingly difficult to envisage at Old Trafford.

Celta will hope his experience with United, Fenerbahce and Turkey can strengthen their goalkeeping department over the coming season.

His route back into Michael Carrick’s side had narrowed further following United’s summer signing of Karl Darlow on a free transfer after his departure from Leeds United.

Darlow had previously been the back-up at Elland Road but displaced Lucas Perri during the second half of last season and established himself as Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper.

The 35-year-old has now been recruited to provide experienced cover for Lammens at United.

With Lammens firmly established and Darlow added to the squad, Bayindir’s prospects of meaningful minutes had become extremely slim.

A loan therefore represents a sensible solution, allowing him to play more regularly without United permanently relinquishing his registration.