Altay Bayindir has joined Celta on loan from Manchester United for the 2026-2027 season, with an option for a permanent transfer next summer.
Bayindir was presented by Celta on Wednesday and shared his insights with reporters from the daily Marca. They inquired about his relationship with first-choice goalkeeper Ionuț Radu.
Altay Bayindir Thanks Ionuț Radu for Support
Bayindir expressed gratitude towards Radu, stating, “When you arrive at a club as a goalkeeper, it can feel strange at first, but Radu has been very good to me from the start. He has helped me at every moment and we have a very good relationship.”
Regarding the competition for the starting position, Bayindir is optimistic, saying, “We will give our best on the field. Competition is good for the club, and we will both give it our all.”
Bayindir Faces Challenges as Backup Goalkeeper
Coach Claudio Giraldez, who brought Bayindir in to enhance competition, informed the Turkish international that he would initially serve as the second-choice keeper. “The fact that Celta will compete in the Europa League was a significant factor in my decision to come here,” Bayindir noted.
He also mentioned the difficulty of being a backup, adding, “It is tough to be the second goalkeeper, but I am someone who always seeks to improve. However, in a team, you cannot just think about your own position. You must help the team as much as possible, and for that, you need to do your job as well as you can.”
Ionuț Radu and Altay Bayindir: A Tale of Two Goalkeepers
Radu has had standout performances in La Liga and the Europa League last season. In La Liga, he played every minute of all 38 matches during the 2025-2026 season. He conceded 48 goals but also kept a clean sheet in 10 matches. Radu was also instrumental in the Europa League, playing all 12 matches, allowing 16 goals, and not losing in two of those encounters.
In contrast, Bayindir, acquired from Fenerbahçe three years ago, struggled to make an impact at Manchester United, featuring in only 17 official matches, including 10 in the Premier League. His move to Celta presents a significant opportunity to revive his career.
