Manchester United has secured the signing of goalkeeper Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce, and the Turkish international has already addressed the club’s supporters.
Bayindir, a 25-year-old goalkeeper, has switched to Old Trafford, where he will serve as a backup to Andre Onana, the club’s primary goalkeeper acquired from Inter Milan earlier in the summer.
United sought a solution after agreeing to transfer Dean Henderson to Crystal Palace, while Tom Heaton is presently sidelined due to injury.
On deadline day, they have ultimately found their answer, with Bayindir’s arrival coinciding with ongoing negotiations for the acquisition of Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, United have sent their director of football negotiations, Matt Hargreaves, to Florence to thrash out a second deadline day deal.
But so far, United’s activity has been limited to one incoming – and Bayindir has already broken his silence on the move.
Man Utd fans impressed with Altay Bayindir after first video
In a video posted to United’s social media accounts, Bayindir introduced himself to the club’s supporters and gave his thoughts on his move.
He said: “Hi guys, I am happy to be here. It’s a perfect feeling to be the first Turkish player here.
“See you soon – take care.”
In the comments, United fans were impressed by how clearly Bayindir spoke English in the video.
Taking to Twitter, one United fan wrote: “He’s comfortable with his English speaking. Impressive!”
Another added: “His English wow.”
The English language is said to be spoken by around 15 to 20 per cent of Turkish people, although the EF‘s English proficiency index places Turkey in 34th place out of 35 European countries, with an overall low proficiency.
Others, meanwhile, believe Bayindir’s voice has an uncanny resemblance to that of Cristiano Ronaldo.
One said: “Listened to it with my eyes closed and heard Ronaldo.”
A second fan pointed out: “He sounds like Ronaldo’s AI generated voice.”
And another wrote: “How’s anyone going to convince me that’s not Ronaldo’s voice.”