Manchester United attempted to land Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos for just £5 million before the Premier League giants turned their attention to Fenerbahce’s Altay Bayindir.
By Manchester United’s standards, the deal which should bring Altay Bayindir to Old Trafford from the Turkish Super Lig has proven to be relatively – and refreshingly – straightforward.
Of course, that owes much to the £4.3 million release clause in his contract. Thus, ensuring that negotiations between United and Fenerbahce could be concluded almost instantaneously; Bayindir jetting into Manchester before undergoing medical tests (ESPN).
Discussions over Odysseas Vlachodimos, in contrast, were shaping up to be a little more complex. Vlachodimos has a release clause in his contract too. Albeit one, at £51 million, far greater than his market value.
Altay Bayindir on verge of Manchester United deal
O Jogo reports that United had hoped to sign the German-born Greek international for around 10 per cent of that rather eye-watering fee. And, once it became clear that Benfica were in no mood to accept such an offer, the Red Devils wasted no time shifting their focus to Bayindir instead. Probably aware of the fact that – with only a few days remaining in the window – speed was off the essence.
Vlachodimos, after falling out of favour under Benfica boss Roger Schmidt, could still end up in England before the month is out, however.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Nottingham Forest have now submitted an offer in the region of £8 million, though the Portuguese champions may be holding out for an eight-figure bid.
Bayindir, meanwhile, should officially become a Manchester United player once Dean Henderson finalises his initial £15 million switch to Crystal Palace.
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Fred confirms Bayindir’s Fenerbahce departure
“I wished him good luck when he left,” former Old Trafford midfielder Fred, who worked with Bayindir for a few short weeks at Fenerbahce, tells Sporx.
“He is going to a great team. I made some suggestions for a neighbourhood where he could live. I said that it rained a lot!
“Altay will be very happy at Manchester United.”