Domingos Duarte joins Sao Paulo on free transfer, signs until July 2028
Synopsis
Two notable transfer moves reshaping club squads: Sao Paulo have snapped up Portuguese centre-back Domingos Duarte on a free deal through 2028, while Celta Vigo have brought in Manchester United's underused goalkeeper Altay Bayindir on loan with a permanent option — a signing that arrives just 24 hours after the Celta coach publicly demanded reinforcements.
Key Takeaways
Domingos Duarte , 31, has joined Sao Paulo on a free transfer, signing a deal until July 2028 .
Duarte left Getafe in June 2025 and previously played for Sporting Lisbon , Deportivo La Coruña , and Granada .
He has earned 3 caps for Portugal , debuting in a 7-0 win over Andorra in 2020 .
Celta Vigo have signed Altay Bayindir on loan from Manchester United , with an option to buy permanently.
Bayindir made only 17 appearances for Manchester United after joining from Fenerbahce in 2023 , conceding 31 goals .
Bayindir could debut for Celta against Napoli in a pre-season game on Saturday .
Portuguese centre-back Domingos Duarte has completed a move to Brazilian giants Sao Paulo on a free transfer, signing a contract that runs until July 2028. The 31-year-old defender departed Spanish side Getafe in June 2025 and has now committed to a new chapter in South American football.
Duarte's Reaction and Welcome
'I am very happy to join Sao Paulo,' Duarte said on the club's official website. 'I am grateful for the way I was welcomed here and for the messages sent to me on social media. May there be many happy afternoons and nights with our fans.'
The warm reception from supporters and club staff appears to have made an impression on the defender, who arrives with significant European top-flight experience.
Career Background
Duarte began his professional journey at Sporting Lisbon before moving through a series of Spanish clubs including Deportivo La Coruña, Granada, and most recently Getafe. He has earned three caps for the Portugal national team, making his full international debut in a 7-0 friendly victory over Andorra in 2020.
Celta Vigo Land Manchester United Goalkeeper on Loan
In a separate transfer development, Spanish club Celta Vigo have secured Turkish international goalkeeper Altay Bayindir on loan from Manchester United, with an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season. The signing came just one day after Celta head coach Claudio Giraldez publicly acknowledged that further transfer business was needed.
Bayindir will compete with Andrei Radu for the starting berth in La Liga. 'Celta Vigo welcomes him and is confident that he can continue to contribute his security in goal, his imposing physique, and his ability to dominate in the air in this new chapter,' the club stated on their official website.
Bayindir's Profile and United Career
The goalkeeper joined Manchester United from Fenerbahce in 2023 but managed only 17 appearances for the first team, conceding 31 goals. He has represented Turkey on 12 occasions and was part of the squad for the recent World Cup, though he did not feature as Turkey were eliminated in the group stage. Bayindir could make his Celta debut as early as Saturday, when the club faces Napoli in a pre-season friendly.
Point of View
Landing a physically imposing shot-stopper a day after their coach publicly flagged the need suggests the club's recruitment machinery moved quickly — but the permanent option clause will be the real test of whether Bayindir can rediscover form away from United's pressure cooker.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Domingos Duarte and why has he joined Sao Paulo?
Domingos Duarte is a 31-year-old Portuguese centre-back who joined Sao Paulo on a free transfer after leaving Spanish club Getafe in June 2025. He has signed a contract running until July 2028 and brings experience from clubs including Sporting Lisbon, Deportivo La Coruña, and Granada.
How many times has Domingos Duarte played for Portugal?
Duarte has earned three caps for the Portugal national team. He made his full international debut in a 7-0 friendly win over Andorra in 2020.
Why has Altay Bayindir left Manchester United for Celta Vigo?
Bayindir joined Celta Vigo on loan from Manchester United after making only 17 appearances for the English club since his 2023 arrival from Fenerbahce. Celta have an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
Who will Bayindir compete with at Celta Vigo?
Bayindir will compete with goalkeeper Andrei Radu for the starting position in La Liga at Celta Vigo. He could make his debut against Napoli in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.
What is Altay Bayindir's international record?
Bayindir has represented Turkey 12 times at international level. He was part of Turkey's squad for the recent World Cup but did not play, as the side was eliminated in the group stage.
