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Manchester United’s reported interest in Senne Lammens intensified in recent weeks, with the club initially exploring a move for Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. However, reports claim the latter’s £35 million asking price, high wages, and age as he turns 33 on September 2, prompted United to pivot to a younger option. Old Trafford has their set of reported concerns over their current goalkeeping options.
Andre Onana, the club’s first-choice goalkeeper since his £47.2 million move from Inter Milan in 2023, has reportedly faced scrutiny for a series of high-profile errors in EFL Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town, where he saved only one of 12 penalties in a decisive shootout. Altay Bayindir, Onana’s former deputy in the Premier League, has also struggled, with notable mistakes in United’s opening-day defeat to Arsenal and a 3-2 win over Burnley.
In such a scenario, Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement to sign 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for an initial £18.1 million plus add-ons, effectively ending their pursuit of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez. Reports claim that the shot-stopper is en route to Manchester to undergo a medical and finalise a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the deal expected to be completed before the completion of the transfer deadline day.
Lammens’ arrival reportedly marks a significant step in Manchester United’s ongoing squad rebuild, with the club reportedly targeting youth and potential to bolster their goalkeeping department. The 23-year-old, who has made 64 appearances for Antwerp since joining from Club Brugge in 2023, has reportedly emerged as one of Belgium’s most promising talents.
Senne Lammens kept seven clean sheets in 30 Belgian Pro League matches
Senne Lammens performances last season, where he kept seven clean sheets in 30 Belgian Pro League matches and prevented 14.5 goals based on shot quality, have reportedly drawn comparisons to Thibaut Courtois, with some in Belgium viewing him as a potential long-term successor for the national team. The transfer is going to take United’s reported summer spending to £232 million, following the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Diego Leon. The signing of Lammens also aligns with Amorim’s broader squad overhaul, with players like Jadon Sancho, who is set to join Aston Villa on loan, and others like Alejandro Garnacho and Antony training separately as they seek moves away from Old Trafford.
At Manchester United, Senne Lammens is reportedly expected to compete with Onana and Bayindir for the starting role, it is said though his integration into English football may take time. Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff reportedly believes the 23-year-old can develop into a key player within two seasons, with his signing seen as both a long-term investment and a signal to the current goalkeepers to raise their standards. The club’s goalkeeping department also includes veteran Tom Heaton, whose contract was extended for another year despite reported limited playing time.
