Manchester United confirm signing of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens
The 23-year-old arrives from Royal Antwerp on a five-year deal as the Red Devils react to errors from Onana and Bayindir.
United’s new No.1 in the making?
Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of Senne Lammens, Belgian goalkeeper from Royal Antwerp, for €21 million plus €4m in add-ons. The 23-year-old has agreed a five-year contract and has already traveled to Manchester to complete medicals and paperwork before the transfer deadline on Monday (7 p.m. UK).
Why United moved for a new goalkeeper
Initially, Erik ten Hag’s staff did not plan to reinforce the position. André Onana, signed in 2023 for €51m, was expected to be the long-term starter. But costly mistakes against Grimsby Town (penalty shootout elimination) and in the Premier League forced a rethink.
Backup Altay Bayindir also failed to convince, conceding a soft goal in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. With fan frustration rising, United accelerated their pursuit of competition in goal.
Lammens’ profile and potential
Lammens played 44 matches for Royal Antwerp last season, earning a national team call-up, though he is yet to debut for Belgium’s senior side. A product of Club Brugge’s academy, he is seen as a modern keeper with strong reflexes and distribution — and at a fraction of the cost of other options.
United also explored deals for Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) and Diogo Costa (Porto), but salary and fee demands proved too high. Lammens was deemed the most viable, long-term solution.
