Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for an initial 21 million euros (£18.1 million) plus add-ons. This transfer marks a significant move as it brings to an end United’s prolonged interest in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who had been considered a potential target earlier in the transfer window.
Lammens, who is 23 years old, is currently making his way to Manchester to finalize his move and sign a five-year contract with the famed Old Trafford club. United’s management is eager to address ongoing concerns regarding their goalkeeping situation, especially following a series of mistakes from Turkey’s Altay Bayindir and last season’s first-choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana. Onana’s recent performance was particularly scrutinized after he was at fault for a goal that led to United’s EFL Cup exit against League Two side Grimsby.
Coach Ruben Amorim expressed the challenges faced by goalkeepers in Manchester United during a post-match interview after the team’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Burnley. He acknowledged the pressures and high expectations associated with the role, stating, “I think it is hard to be a Manchester United goalkeeper in this moment.” This sentiment resonates with the fans and reflects the intensity of the spotlight on the club as they aim for success.
Sources within United are optimistic about Lammens, seeing him as an exciting young talent with a bright future. The Belgian goalkeeper previously joined Antwerp on a free transfer from Club Brugge in 2023, quickly establishing himself by making 64 appearances and winning the Belgian Super Cup in the same year. While Lammens is yet to don the national colors of the senior Belgian team, he received his first call-up back in March 2025, reinforcing his status as a leading contender for the long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois.
In the previous season, Lammens showcased his skills across 30 appearances in the Belgian Pro League, managing to keep seven clean sheets, a testament to his abilities between the sticks. As negotiations progressed, Lammens notably missed selection for Antwerp’s back-to-back Pro League matches against KV Mechelen and KVC Westerlo, which hinted at his impending transfer to United.
Amorim, at the helm of United, began the season with uncertainty surrounding his first-choice goalkeeper, a situation that has only intensified with Bayindir’s blunders, particularly highlighted during the opening day match against Arsenal. Bayindir managed to play all three Premier League games this season; however, yet another mistake during the game against Burnley heightened the urgency for the club to secure a reliable goalkeeper ahead of the transfer deadline.
Andre Onana, who was signed from Inter Milan for a substantial £47.2 million in 2023, has also had a tumultuous tenure at United over the past two years. His latest appearance came during the cup defeat last week, where he saved only one out of 12 penalties during a crucial shootout. The criticism has been severe, with former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic labeling him “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s history before a match against Lyon last season, where Onana was again criticized for his role in conceding both goals. Following this performance, Amorim made the decision to omit the Cameroon international from the starting lineup for the next fixture against Newcastle United.
As Lammens’ imminent arrival adds to a busy deadline day at Old Trafford, other notable transfers are also in the works. Antony is anticipated to complete a move to Real Betis, while Jadon Sancho is set for a loan agreement with Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund is reported to be on his way to Napoli, adding to the dynamic nature of the current transfer window. However, young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is expected to remain at United, as he contemplates a loan move after experiencing limited opportunities to play. Mainoo, who is 20 years old, was notably not included in Thomas Tuchel’s recent England squad but did contribute as a substitute in United’s dramatic win over Burnley. This period remains crucial for the club as they look to solidify their squad and enhance their competitive edge in domestic and European competitions.
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