Manchester United has signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for £18.1 million. The 23-year-old goalkeeper has signed a five-year contract with the Red Devils. This signing adds competition to the goalkeeping position with Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir already at the club. Lammens said it was a dream come true to join Manchester United. He had 173 saves in the Belgian Pro League in 2024-25, which was 20 more than any other goalkeeper in Europe’s top 10 leagues. United were linked with Emiliano Martinez, but opted for Lammens instead.
Manchester United has officially announced the acquisition of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, adding depth and competition to their goalkeeping department. The 23-year-old Belgian shot-stopper has inked a five-year deal with the Red Devils, signaling a long-term commitment from both the club and the player. The move comes amidst scrutiny surrounding current goalkeeper Andre Onana, whose performances have been under the microscope since his arrival at Old Trafford. While United have publicly backed Onana, the signing of Lammens suggests a desire to provide healthy competition and a reliable alternative.
Reports indicate that Manchester United shelled out an initial £18.1 million (€21 million) to secure Lammens' services. This significant investment underscores the club's belief in his potential and his ability to challenge for the starting position. Lammens brings with him a reputation for being a proactive and agile goalkeeper, known for his shot-stopping abilities and command of his area. His arrival provides manager Erik ten Hag with another option to call upon as United navigate a demanding season across multiple competitions.
The goalkeeping situation at Manchester United has been a talking point this season, particularly with Andre Onana facing criticism for some high-profile errors. While Onana has featured prominently, especially in European competitions, Altay Bayindir has also seen playing time, notably in Premier League matches. The competition for the gloves is now set to intensify with Lammens' arrival, potentially pushing all three goalkeepers to raise their game and fight for their place in the starting eleven. This internal competition could ultimately benefit the team as a whole, driving up performance levels and ensuring that United have a capable goalkeeper between the posts regardless of who is selected.
Interestingly, Manchester United had been linked with a move for Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, a seasoned international with Premier League experience. However, the club opted to pursue Lammens instead, choosing a younger, less established option with significant potential for growth. This decision could be interpreted as a long-term investment, with United potentially seeing Lammens as a future cornerstone of their goalkeeping setup. The signing also aligns with the club's recent focus on developing young talent and building a squad capable of competing at the highest level for years to come.
173 – Senne Lammens made 173 saves in the Belgian Pro League in 2024-25 – 20 more than any other goalkeeper in any of Europe’s top-10 leagues last season. Occupied. pic.twitter.com/oM8ap32EXc
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 1, 2025
Lammens himself expressed his excitement about joining Manchester United, describing it as a "dream come true." He stated, "I am extremely proud to be joining Manchester United. It is a real dream come true. The past few years have been an amazing journey, it’s now ended in an incredible destination and hopefully the beginning of something special." His enthusiasm and ambition are likely to resonate well with the United faithful, who will be eager to see him showcase his talents at Old Trafford.
Adding to his credentials, Lammens boasts an impressive record in the Belgian Pro League. In the 2024-25 season, he made a remarkable 173 saves, surpassing any other goalkeeper in Europe's top 10 leagues by a significant margin of 20 saves. This statistic highlights his shot-stopping prowess and his ability to consistently perform under pressure. His inclusion in the Belgium national team further validates his talent and potential, indicating that he is highly regarded within his home country.
The arrival of Senne Lammens at Manchester United injects a new dynamic into the goalkeeping ranks and presents Erik ten Hag with a welcome selection dilemma. Whether he will immediately challenge for the starting spot or initially serve as a backup remains to be seen. However, his signing undoubtedly strengthens United's squad and provides them with a talented and ambitious goalkeeper for the future.