Hoping to finally find a long-term option between the sticks, Celtic are reportedly close to an agreement to sign a Premier League goalkeeper to replace the aging Kasper Schmeichel.
Celtic transfer news
Of course, this isn’t the first time Celtic and the Premier League have met in the January transfer window, with the Bhoys looking to dip into English football to make improvements on their way to another Scottish Premiership title. Among the options on that front is Kieran Tierneywho could return to his former club almost six years after leaving for Arsenal.
It’s a deal that would certainly make sense given the likely departure of Greg Taylor at the end of his current deal this summer and how desperately Tierney is in need of a career revival.
However, the left-back is not the only Premier League player who has been linked with the Scottish giants. According to the Star in Turkey, Celtic are closing in on signing Altay Bayindirwho currently plays the role of deputy behind Andre Onana at Manchester United.
Now 26 and ready to become number one elsewhere, Bayindir could reportedly be given the door at Old Trafford in his quest for regular playing time to replace the aging Schmeichel.
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He is 38 and on course to leave Celtic Park as a free agent in the summer, unless he puts pen to paper on an extension, Schmeichel could still make room for a younger, longer-term option in the form of Bayindir.
With that said, the Bhoys may have to wait until the summer if they are to secure Bayindir’s signature, and the Manchester United goalkeeper’s own agent has poured cold water on any burning transfers, telling reporters that United in focus: “There were offers from many European clubs and the Premier League for Altay at the beginning of the season.
“At the moment there are clubs that are interested, but Altay wants to stay and play for Manchester United. The club definitely does not want to let Altay go.”
“Brilliant” Bayindir can end Celtic’s pursuit of a goalkeeper
While Schmeichel deserves a lot of credit for how he successfully replaced Joe Hart in the current campaign, he was always meant to be a short-term option rather than someone who can take on that number one role for years to come. Instead, that’s where Bayindir should come in. A player with many years ahead of him and a player ready to step into a starting role, a move would suit all parties.
Despite operating as Manchester United’s number two of late, the goalkeeper still received impressive praise from the former Turkey assistant manager Mehmet Mzdilekwho was quick to speak of Bayindir’s “brilliant” work with the ball at his feet last year.
