Turkish giants Besiktas are said to be eyeing a short-term loan until the end of the season for an out-of-favour Manchester United star.
Manchester United’s January transfer business has been quiet, to say the least. The majority of action has come in the dugout, with Rúben Amorim and his coaching staff making way for Darren Fletcher, before Michael Carrick took charge against Manchester City. Though, some transfer business has taken place for the under-21s side.
The first move of the window was Sam Mather leaving for Turkey. The young left-winger came close to a move in the summer transfer window, but the deal couldn’t be registered in time. He is one of the few to permanently leave the club, along with Rhys Bennett and Joe Hugill – both played a role in the FA Youth Cup in 2022, with Bennett captaining the side and scoring.
As for loan moves, Harry Amass returned from his loan at Sheffield Wednesday before signing for Norwich City for another six months. Toby Collyer was also recalled after picking up an injury, but has since joined Hull City until the end of the campaign. Sékou Koné has also left Old Trafford temporarily, as the young Mali midfielder joins INEOS-owned Lausanne-Sport on the second loan between the two sides.
While it seems unlikely with just days left of the transfer window, there could still be exits in Carrick’s first team. Tyrell Malacia’s move has been described as “likely to happen”, while another out-of-action player has now been linked with a transfer, too.
Backup United star could leave
Since Senne Lammens started against Sunderland in the Premier League, Altay Bayindir has been forced to look on from the bench, returning to his role as second-choice as he was under Erik ten Hag.
Bayindir looked destined to leave United in the summer, but Andre Onana’s late exit kept Bayindir at the club for the 2025/26 season. However, a move could still be on the cards for the Turkish international, with interest from his home country.
As per Turkish Football, Besiktas have identified Bayindir as a target who could strengthen the squad before the end of the January transfer window. In a move described as “A win-win for all parties”, Bayindir would leave on loan before returning to Old Trafford in the summer.
Unlike in previous years, the English transfer window closes on February 2, while the Turkish window remains open until February 6. If United can secure a replacement before the end of January, they may let Bayindir leave while the Turkish window is still open.
United could be happy with their goalkeeping options, though. If Bayindir left, Tom Heaton would be promoted to second choice, while Dermot Mee or Elyh Harrison would be the third option. Harrison spent the first half of the season on loan at Shrewsbury, and is ‘highly-regarded’ by members of the club.
Bayindir should leave
Bayindir’s United career would’ve been anything but what the goalkeeper hoped for. He was considered a good prospect before his move from Fenerbache, but has left United fans more concerned than impressed since he left Turkey.
Lammens has offered a new level of security that Onana or Bayindir simply couldn’t, making him a fan-favourite at Old Trafford.
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When asked about transfers before the Fulham game, Carrick said: “We are just working through it. Never say never because a lot can happen and situations can be thrown up.
“Sometimes it is in our control, sometimes not. I am pretty calm and we have shown what we are capable of as a team.”
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