Football FanCast
·14 April 2021
Football FanCast
·14 April 2021
Aston Villa are eyeing a summer move for Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
With reports in recent days and weeks raising question marks over the futures of both Emiliano Martinez and Tom Heaton this summer, it’s no surprise that Villa appear to have their eye on signing a new shot-stopper in the transfer window.
According to Turkish outlet Takvim, Villa had representatives watching Bayindir in Fenerbahce’s 3-1 victory over Gaziantep, while fellow Premier League sides Newcastle and Crystal Palace are also said to be interested in the 23-year-old.
Standing at an imposing 6 foot 6, Bayindir would certainly be able to replace the sheer presence Martinez has in goal if the Argentine were to leave for Manchester United this summer.
The 23-year-old was recently praised for an impressive performance by former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil after the German made his debut for Fenerbahce earlier this year.
And, due to his form, former Turkey ace Oktay Derelioglu tipped Bayindir to make the step up to one of the Premier League’s big boys, along with fellow Turkish shot-stopper Ugurcan Cakir.
He said: “Within a few years (Altay could play for) Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona or Chelsea. Altay and Ugurcan should cost 50m euros (£43m). In my opinion, the best squad of the league is Fenerbahçe’s. But if it were not for Altay Bayındir, the team could have around 48-49 points.”
While Martinez has had an outstanding debut campaign at Villa Park this season – he’s kept 14 clean sheets in the Premier League which is the third-most in the entire division – Dean Smith’s side could really do with someone to provide genuine competition for him.
Whether Martinez stays or goes, Villa could really benefit from having a goalkeeper like Bayindir in their ranks, and it’s unsurprising that Johan Lange is keen to make that happen.
Meanwhile, Villa must surely regret this major howler…