Why Sheffield United need to stay away from a move for Altay Bayindir
According to Fanatik via Turkish Football (h/t Brighton & Hove Independent), Sheffield United are closely monitoring Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. The 22-year-old is also on the radar of Dutch heavyweights AFC Ajax.
Profile
Born in Bursa, Turkey, Bayindir started out at the academy of local club Bursaspor in 2007, before moving to Arabayatagi four years later. Twelve months later, the goalkeeper was on the move again, joining the youth ranks at Bursa Yol and he signed for Ankaragucu academy in 2013.
Bayindir rose through the ranks at the club to break into the senior team and went on to make 30 first-team appearances, keeping 10 clean sheets. The 22-year-old signed for Fenerbahce in the summer last year and has featured 47 times, managing nine shut-outs in the process. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Bayindir has represented the Turkey national team at U-17, U-19, U-20 and U-21 level but is yet to make a senior bow.
Sheffield United have enough goalkeeping options currently
The 2020/21 campaign has seen Sheffield United make a disastrous start, as they remain rooted to the bottom of the table, having just collected one point from 11 games.
While defence was their strong suit last season, this season, they haven’t been as solid as they were last time, already letting in 18 goals. So tightening things at the back might be necessary in January if they are to stave off relegation.
However, the goalkeeping spot is one position where Chris Wilder has enough options at his disposal. Losing Dean Henderson after his loan deal ran out was a huge blow. But the Blades recruited Aaron Ramsdale in the summer.
And while the ex-Bournemouth man has had a difficult initiation, he has also stood out for them in a disappointing campaign, making 43 saves so far.
In addition, the Blades also brought in former Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham as cover for Ramsdale, while they have two more options in the form of Michael Verrips and Simon Moore.
So a move for Bayindir at the moment might be redundant for Sheffield United. Instead, the Blades must look to strengthen their defence while also adding a proper goalscorer to their ranks.
Read More
- Why Sheffield United should eye cut-price Ben Davies swoop in January
- Why Sheffield United should take a punt on Britt Assombalonga
Verdict
Even though Sheffield United have had a poor start to the season, Aaron Ramsdale has done quite well in goal, barring a few difficult moments. And with enough options to cover for the Englishman at the moment, a move for Bayindir doesn’t make much sense for Sheffield United.
