Manchester United eyeing 6ft 5 star as replacement for Old Trafford player who’s ‘too good’

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a 6-foot 5-inch Championship star to replace Altay Bayındır, with the Turkish international set to leave Old Trafford in 2025.

Manchester United are setting their sights on the 2025 transfer windows as Rúben Amorim continues to shape his squad at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese manager’s standout moment so far was a dramatic win over Manchester City, with late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo sealing a crucial Premier League victory, although they followed this with a loss to Bournemouth the following weekend.

To enable significant investment in new players, United are expected to offload some high-profile talents. Among those who could leave is Marcus Rashford, with the club reportedly considering offers of around £40 million this summer.

Despite the potential departures, United remain ambitious and are targeting up to five major signings in 2025, with reinforcements planned for their attack, midfield, and defence.

United targeting Leeds star for summer transfer

According to The Sun, United are targeting Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a potential summer signing, with the 24-year-old liked by goalkeeper scout Tony Coton.

Meslier was a target for United two seasons ago, but the club reduced their interest after Leeds were relegated back to the Championship from the Premier League. But with United looking to sign a new goalkeeper to push André Onana, the Frenchman is back on their radar.

The report states that Meslier is seen as “one for the future”, having already made 240 professional appearances in his young career.

It’s further stated that United are also considering Botafogo’s 28-year-old goalkeeper John Victor, who has been described as a “sensation” by previous reports.

John Victor was recently crowned as the best player in Brazil and has been making waves across South American football for his fantastic displays in goal, recently winning the Brazil league title and Copa Libertadores.

Bayındır is on his way out of United

The Sun explain that United’s hunt for a new goalkeeper has picked up after current second choice Altay Bayındır had a poor performance against Tottenham as United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup 4-3.

Bayındır is expected to leave United, with Sky Germany reporting that those at Old Trafford anticipate the Turkish goalkeeper’s departure in the summer to secure regular first-team football.

The reports suggest that Bayındır is considered “simply too good” to remain as a second-choice option behind André Onana, with no realistic pathway to consistent playing time.

While the club are reportedly pleased with his performance as a back-up and have him under contract until 2027, they are actively searching for a new third-choice goalkeeper.

This is due to Tom Heaton’s contract expiring in June 2025 and the possibility of needing two replacements should Bayındır also depart at the same time.

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