MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Manchester United have agreed a transfer deal worth £18.1 million (€21 million) to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, bringing a key addition to their squad ahead of the Premier League transfer deadline.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper will travel to Manchester to undergo a medical and finalize a five-year contract. The deal, which includes additional performance-based clauses, marks a significant step in Manchester United’s summer transfer activity as they seek to reinforce a problematic position.
Manchester United’s goalkeeper struggles have been a persistent issue this season. Second-choice Altay Bayindir has made multiple high-profile errors in domestic league matches, while last season’s No.1, Andre Onana, has come under heavy criticism for his inconsistency—most notably during United’s shock EFL Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.
Club sources view Lammens as a rising star in European football, citing his composure, athleticism, and long-term development potential. He made 64 appearances for Royal Antwerp since his move from Club Brugge in 2023 and played a key role in their Belgian Super Cup win. Last season, he kept seven clean sheets in 30 league matches and was called up to the Belgium national team for the first time in March 2025.
Though he has yet to make a senior international appearance, Lammens is widely tipped as a potential successor to Thibaut Courtois, a sentiment echoed by Belgian football analysts.
The goalkeeper had been left out of Antwerp’s recent squads amid speculation about his future, which has now been resolved with his transfer to Manchester United.
His signing ends United’s interest in Aston Villa and Argentina international Emiliano Martinez, who had been a top target earlier in the window.
Manchester United transfer news has dominated deadline day headlines, with winger Antony close to completing a move to Real Betis, while Jadon Sancho is expected to join Aston Villa on loan. Meanwhile, striker Rasmus Højlund is nearing a switch to Serie A side Napoli.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo, who had explored loan options due to limited playing time under Erik ten Hag, is now expected to stay at Old Trafford following discussions with the manager.
The addition of Senne Lammens reflects Erik ten Hag’s transfer strategy focused on youth, potential, and long-term stability in key positions. United’s decision to act quickly ahead of the deadline shows intent to correct last season’s defensive shortcomings and reassert their competitiveness in both domestic and European campaigns.
Credit: Sky Sport
