Celtic transfer target involved in horror show at EURO 24

The club season might be over but there is a lot for Celtic fans to watch out for, and hopefully enjoy. The Rangers are providing their own light relief for the Hoops fans at the moment. On the other hand, there’s also the matter of the ongoing UEFA EURO 2024. At times though, it might prove to be a difficult watch.

Aside from following Scotland as they seek to qualify from the group stage there are several Celtic-linked players involved at the tournament in Germany. One of those is Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

Currently the third-choice goalkeeper at Manchester United, Bayindir is rumoured to be keen on a move away from Old Trafford. He signed there last summer after a move from Fenerbahce but has barely featured since then.

The Hoops are believed to have an interest in Bayindir as a replacement for Joe Hart, who retired at the end of last season. Some reports in Turkey even suggest that a deal has already been done in the background for Celtic to sign the Manchester United goalkeeper this summer.

Celtic transfer target involved in horror show at EURO 24

Bayindir didn't play in the opening match for Turkey but replaced Besiktas' number one Mert Gunok between the posts for Saturday's game against Portugal. The Turkish side did not have a good start and conceded two early goals, the second of which was an own goal credited to Samet Akaydin. 

A badly placed passback from Akaydi, without checking his goalkeeper's position, bypassed the advancing Bayindir and found the back of his own net. Turkey went on to lose the match 3-0. 

It’s not the positive impression that Bayindir will want to portray as he is rumoured to be looking for a new club this summer. Perhaps though Celtic fans needn't worry too much. One example of bad play doesn't define a player's quality. After all, Henrik Larsson’s first touch on his Hoops debut led to a goal for Hibernian, and it worked out quite well for him in the end!