Manchester United are reportedly ready to sanction the departure of Altay Bayindir this summer as the club continue their aggressive strategy to streamline the first-team squad. The Turkish international, who arrived at Old Trafford with high hopes of challenging for the number one spot, is set to return to his homeland after struggling to break into Michael Carrick’s starting XI. According to the latest reports coming out of Turkey, the Red Devils have reached a formal agreement with Super Lig giants Besiktas to offload the goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer window, marking a significant step in United's mission to reduce their bloated wage bill and recoup funds for future reinforcements.
Unai Emery's side are set to dip into the transfer window to sign a replacement for Donyell Malen. The Dutch star is heading to Serie A to join Roma after just a year in the West Midlands. Aston Villa are hoping to replace Malen by making a shock move for a former Chelsea and AC Milan star and are willing to offer a long-term contract at Villa Park.
Rafa Silva has backed down from his intention to leave Besiktas and returned to training after the Turkish club threatened to report him to FIFA for unauthorised absence. The Portuguese forward, who had been complaining of pain despite clean medical scans, cited "family problems" rather than financial issues as the reason for his actions, admitting his "head was a mess".
Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho has reportedly held transfer talks with three Turkish clubs amid his latest underwhelming loan spell. Sancho was included in Ruben Amorim's bomb squad in the summer before he secured a loan move to Aston Villa. However, he has struggled for minutes under Unai Emery and is already thought to be contemplating another change of scenery.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is back training with Arsenal after becoming a free agent, claims to have turned down offers from a number of clubs. The 35-time England international has returned to his homeland after being released by Turkish side Besiktas. He is prepared to be patient while seeking fresh terms, with the midfielder making it clear where his next port of call will be.
GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their home comforts in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
Fulham and Besiktas are interested in Inter striker Mehdi Taremi, with the Iran international wanting to part ways after a disappointing spell in Italy.
Kyle Walker-Peters is poised to join West Ham United on a free transfer following a dramatic breakdown in talks with Ole Gunner Solskjaer's Besiktas. The 28-year-old defender had been in advanced talks with the Istanbul-based side after his contract with Southampton expired, but the move collapsed in controversial fashion after the defender requested additional time to evaluate his future, a gesture that did not sit well with Besiktas.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure at Besiktas is reportedly on shaky ground, with mounting pressure from within the club possibly leading to an early dismissal. Despite being appointed only in January 2025, the Norwegian manager is believed to be on the verge of being replaced as the Turkish giants reassess their managerial direction.