Vigo, Aug 7 (IANS) Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has joined La Liga club Celta Vigo on a season-long loan, with the Spanish side securing an option to make the move permanent at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
As part of the agreement, Celta will cover the Turkish international’s wages throughout the loan spell and hold an option to sign him permanently for a reported fee of around £3.5 million, with additional performance-related bonuses and a significant sell-on clause included in Manchester United’s favour.
The move offers Bayindir the opportunity for regular first-team football after three seasons at Old Trafford, where he largely played a backup role. The 28-year-old made 17 appearances for United across all competitions after arriving from Turkish giants Fenerbahce in 2023, becoming the first Turkish footballer to represent the Premier League club. During his time in England, he accumulated more than 1,500 minutes of action while featuring in domestic cup competitions and European fixtures.
Bayindir began his career in the youth systems of Bursaspor and Ankaragucu before making his professional debut with the latter. He rose to prominence during a four-year spell at Fenerbahce, where his consistent performances established him as one of Turkey’s leading goalkeepers. His leadership qualities also saw him captain the Istanbul club before earning a move to Manchester United.
The Turkish international, who has represented his country at senior level on multiple occasions, joins a Celta Vigo side looking to strengthen its squad after qualifying for European competition under head coach Claudio Giraldez.
Bayindir will travel directly to Italy to join Celta’s pre-season training camp, where the club is scheduled to play friendly matches against Sassuolo and Napoli before the new season begins.
“Celta welcomes him and trusts that he will continue to provide security between the posts, an imposing physical presence and his ability to dominate aerial play during this new chapter in the Celeste shirt. Welcome, Bayindir!” the club said in an official statement.
–IANS
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