When transfer rumours begin to build, clubs have two options. Ignore them, or deny them.
Trabzonspor have chosen the second option, after being linked with a fresh swoop for a Manchester United player.
It’s the second time this has happened in 2024. Back in January, via Fabrizio Romano, Benfica spoke out about speculation suggesting that Manchester United were at the front of the queue for a deal to bring wonderkid midfielder Joao Neves from Lisbon to Old Trafford.
“Benfica denies the existence of any right of preference over Joao Neves,” the statement read. “Under no circumstances has Benfica started talks with Manchester United or any other club about Joao. Nor does it intend to do so.”
Four months on, Trabzonspor appear to have taken a leaf of the Benfica book. They too have gone public in an attempt to distance themselves from rumours claiming that Altay Bayindir – just one year after leaving Fenerbahce for England’s north west – was on his way back to Turkey.
Manchester United must decide on Altay Bayindir role
Trabzonspor goalkeeper and captain Ugurcan Cakir is expected to depart this summer with the Scottish Sun linking him to Celtic. This could lead the Turkish club to Altay Bayindir at some point in the window.
However, the club have made very clear no discussions are happening right now.
“Explanation; The news in the national and local press regarding the transfer of professional football player Altay Bayındır to our club does not reflect the truth,” Trabzonspor say via their commercial X account.
“Our club does not have any work (ongoing) regarding the player in question.”
Bayindir may still be facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford, however. It’s unlikely that the 26-year-old shot-stopper will be too happy about playing only once in the entire campaign across all competitions.
Bayindir’s one and only Man United appearance came against fourth-tier Newport County in the FA Cup back in January, with Erik ten Hag obviously keen to hand Andre Onana every possible opportunity to silence the doubters following a difficult start to life in Britain.
Turkey return dismissed
Man United’s alleged interest in Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, meanwhile, adds to the confusion surrounding Bayindir’s status.
The Turkey international’s agent did say, five months ago, that there were no plans for a return to his homeland.
Time will tell whether that stance has changed, Bayindir is likely to remain back-up to Cakir at Euro 2024 as a result of his lack of match sharpness.
“There have been speculation about Galatasaray for two weeks, or even more, in a very intense period. We do not have any plans to return to Turkey or have a career in Turkey at the moment,” Sefa Seyrek said, via Sporx, in the aftermath of United’s thrilling 3-3 Champions League draw in the Ali Sami Yen.
“Altay is currently focused on Manchester United. His only goal at the moment is to wear that jersey and make us proud. That’s all he wants to do.
“We have no plans for Turkey. All of our career plans are to stay where we are now, and move forward with a focus on the European Championships.”