Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens is on the verge of completing a move to Manchester United, with the transfer fee reported to be around £17 million. The 23-year-old has been left out of Royal Antwerp’s Pro League fixture against Mechelen as the deal nears completion, marking a significant step in his career.
United manager Ruben Amorim is keen to strengthen his goalkeeping department, with Lammens expected to provide direct competition for André Onana. The Cameroonian shot-stopper has faced criticism after a mixed start to the season and was even dropped for the opening-day defeat to Arsenal. In his absence, Altay Bayindir started but made a costly error that led to Riccardo Calafiori’s winning goal.
While Onana remains United’s first-choice goalkeeper, the arrival of Lammens will intensify the battle for the No.1 spot. Onana is also set to miss part of the season due to his commitments with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, making the addition of a reliable alternative essential for United’s campaign.
Standing at 6ft 3in, Lammens has built a reputation as a composed and technically strong goalkeeper. A Belgium Under-21 international, he made his senior debut for Club Brugge in July 2021 before sealing a move to Antwerp in 2023. His first appearance for Antwerp came in a Champions League group-stage clash against Porto, where he gained valuable experience at the highest level.
Financially, Lammens is expected to earn a salary in line with Bayindir, who is currently on around £80,000 per week. The move highlights United’s intent to create a competitive environment in every position, ensuring consistency and quality throughout the season.
For Antwerp, the departure of their young goalkeeper represents a significant loss, but it also reflects the growing reputation of the Belgian Pro League as a breeding ground for talent sought after by Europe’s elite clubs.
As the deal edges closer to completion, United supporters will be eager to see whether Lammens can challenge Onana immediately or if he will be gradually introduced into the squad. Either way, his arrival signals a clear message from Amorim and the United hierarchy: underperformance will not be tolerated, and competition is key to success.
