Only a couple of days ago, reports linking one of Erik ten Hag’s signings with an early departure from Manchester United were roundly dismissed.
The club rumoured to be his destination taking the rather unusual step of releasing an official statement in an attempt to silence the gossip.
“Explanation; The news in the national and local press regarding the transfer of professional football player Altay Bayindir to our club does not reflect the truth,” Trabzonspor said via their commercial X account.
“Our club does not have any work (ongoing) regarding the player in question.”
Despite featuring only once during his debut season at Manchester United – in the FA Cup against fourth-tier Newport County – the expectation is that Bayindir will stick around in an attempt to fight for his future under Erik ten Hag.
Or, indeed, the Dutchman’s predecessor should Ineos opt for a change in the dugout.
Ex Manchester United target now wanted by Arsenal
Bayindir put pen to paper late in the window, joining in a cut-price deal from Fenerbahce as United turned to the Turkey international after running into obstacles in pursuit of a variety of shot-stoppers.
Odysseas Vlachodimos was one option before heading to Nottingham Forest. There was interest in Braga shot-stopper Matheus too, as well as the extremely highly-rated Japan international Zion Suzuki.
Man United came calling for Justin Bijlow too, another player Ten Hag knows well from his time in Dutch football.
“There was just contact (with United),” the then-£20 million-rated Bijlow told FR12 in August. “I want to achieve the highest achievable in my career. When that is, we will see for ourselves.”
Bijlow’s £20 million price-tag was, of course, a little excessive for a back-up goalkeeper, United having already installed Andre Onana as their number one pick. One year on, however, and with De Telegraaf reporting that his fee has dropped considerably, Arsenal may not have held back by the same reservations as they now run the rule over the 2023 Eredivisie champion.
Dutch international could follow Arne Slot to England
The expected departure of Aaron Ramsdale will leave Arsenal in pursuit of a ‘keeper to challenge David Raya. Rotterdam-born Bijlow appeals, his reduced price-tag seemingly offsetting the injury issues which kept the 26-year-old out of action for much of this season (The Telegraph).
As you have probably guessed, given that Bijlow was the number one under Liverpool-bound Arne Slot at Feyenoord and seemingly has admirers among Erik ten Hag and Mikel Arteta, he is a goalkeeper not only comfortable with the ball in his hands but with it at his feet too.
Modern-day managers want more from their glovesmen than feline-speed reflexes. And Bijlow’s impressive passing range will appeal to an Arsenal outfit who opted to bring in Raya from Brentford largely because of the Spaniard’s technical abilities.