Manchester United have agreed terms to sign goalkeeper Senne Lammens, a deal that is far more important for the side than any involving Carlos Baleba.
The Red Devils have been interested in both men throughout the transfer window as Ruben Amorim looks to build the team in his image. He's already been busy in the market, signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. He's not done, though, and had his eye on both Baleba and Lammens.
It was recently reported, however, that they wouldn't be signing the former as they weren't prepared to pay what Brighton were wanting for the midfielder. On the other hand, Fabrizio Romano reported that United have advanced in talks about a deal to sign Lammens from Antwerp and now, they've agreed terms.
While they'll have wanted to sign both players this summer, they desperately needed a goalkeeper, so it was far more important that they landed Lammens and they're about to.
United Need Lammens More Than Baleba
Senne Lammens in action for Royal Antwerp
It's still relatively early in the 2025/26 campaign, but it's already become glaringly apparent that United need a new goalkeeper. Andre Onana has been disappointing for the Red Devils following his move in 2023. After a hamstring injury forced him to miss out on preseason action, he was left out of the lineup for the opening game of the season against Arsenal and was replaced by Altay Bayindir.
The Turkish keeper failed to make the most of his opportunity in the team and was at fault for the Gunners' goal as Amorim's men lost 1-0. He was publicly criticised by Roy Keane after the fact and it's highlighted how desperately United need to recruit a new goalkeeper.
The man they've identified as the player for the job is Lammens. Having arrived at Antwerp in 2023, he's become a key figure for the Belgian side and has shone in between the sticks. The 23-year-old is still young, has been described as phenomenal and is reportedly keen on moving to Old Trafford this summer and has already said yes to a possible transfer.
With Brighton driving too hard a bargain for United and asking for a price that the Red Devils aren't willing to pay, considering they've already spent around £200m this summer, it was far more important for United to sign Lammens and ensure he gets a goalkeeper through the doors before the transfer window shuts.
Baleba is a very good midfielder, but with stars such as Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro currently on the books at Old Trafford, the need for a goalkeeper is greater than that of a midfielder right now, so while missing out on the Brighton man might sting fans a little right now, they can rest easy knowing that the man they needed more is reportedly going to be on his way soon.
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