Arjun Menon
Manchester United have officially announced the signing of 23-year-old goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Belgian side Royal Antwerp, with the deal reportedly costing €21 million (£18.1m) plus add-ons, according to BBC Sport.
The move comes amid mounting concerns over the inconsistent form of André Onana and Altay Bayindir. United were actively scouting the market for a long-term solution between the sticks before the transfer window slammed shut.
Though a potential deal involving Aston Villa’s keeper was explored, the refusal of Jadon Sancho to move the other way reportedly scuppered those plans. Instead, United turned their full attention to Lammens — and got the deal over the line just in time.
“Extremely Proud” Lammens Signs Long-Term Contract
Lammens has penned a five-year contract running until the summer of 2030. Speaking to club media, the Belgian expressed his excitement:
“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.”
He added: “You can feel the positive atmosphere being created here, and I know that I can make a real impact at the club in the coming years. This is the perfect place to develop and achieve my career objectives.”
Lammens’ stats speak for themselves. In the 2024–25 Belgian Pro League season, he made 173 saves — the highest total across all goalkeepers in Europe’s top 10 leagues, according to Opta. He leaves Antwerp after 64 appearances across all competitions.
Battle Begins: Lammens vs Onana vs Bayindir
Director of Football Jason Wilcox described Lammens as “an excellent goalkeeper with great potential,” hinting that the Belgian isn’t just one for the future — he’s expected to challenge for the No.1 shirt immediately.
With manager Ruben Amorim looking to tighten up defensively, Lammens will enter direct competition with Onana and Bayindir. It’s a move that could also spark exits, especially with several European and Middle Eastern transfer windows still open.
Both Onana and Bayindir have been linked with late moves away, and if the right offer arrives, United may opt to cash in on one of their existing stoppers.
What This Means for United Bettors and Fans
The arrival of Lammens could reshape United’s defensive profile, which has direct implications for betting markets — particularly clean sheet odds and fantasy football picks. If Lammens cements his spot early, expect shifts in defensive betting lines and potential value in first-choice keeper props.
Whether Amorim throws him into action immediately or eases him in, the message is clear: United are betting big on their future between the posts.