Despite it being still February, four months before the summer transfer window opens for the summer, Manchester United have already reportedly conducted their first piece of business. Turkish back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is reportedly on his way out, having agreed a £4.3m deal with Besiktas.
The deal would mark the end of a difficult spell at United for Bayindir, who briefly took the number one role as the side's goalkeeper before the signing of Senne Lammens this summer. Bayindir has made 10 appearances as Man United's goalkeeper in competitive games since signing as a second-choice goalkeeper in 2023.
The exit of Bayindir does have a knock-on effect at Man United. Senne Lammens has laid permanent claim to the first-team goalkeeper spot this season, but will he still hold that position next season? Bayindir will need to be replaced, so by who, and what role will they play at the club?
Who will be Manchester United's goalkeeper next season?
With Bayindir gone, Man United will have a goalkeeper slot to fill. Current third choice Tom Heaton will be 41 years old by the end of next season, so the likelihood of him filling any major role in the team is unlikely.
There is, of course, the possibility that Andre Onana will return from his loan spell at Trabzonspor, hungry to prove himself again. But it seems as if United have moved on from him. Onana made a plethora of high-profile errors as United goalkeeper, and has long since lost the trust of most United fans. United will surely look to move him on next summer.
Then there's Radek Vitek. A product of United's academy, Vitek has found himself stuck on the constant loan move carousel that hampers so many young players, but a standout loan move may finally help him make the jump to the first team.
The young Czech goalkeeper has been enjoying a fantastic season at Bristol City in the Championship, becoming one of their standout players. It's fair to say he deserves a chance in the first-team squad, perhaps acting as Senne Lammens' understudy and learning from him before being moved to a larger role or moved on for a fee.
Then there is the option of United signing a new first team goalkeeper. Lammens has had a fantastic season, but he is not much more than a safe pair of hands. If United want to challenge for league titles, there may be a need to replace Lammens with a goalkeeper with a higher ceiling. Look at the difference City made by signing established keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Man United have plenty of time before deciding their next moves. Right now, Lammens has given the club no reason to consider replacing him, at least in the short-term. Still, United's goalkeeping situation is one to watch going into transfer season.