Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, with the Belgian goalkeeper emerging as a serious option amid doubts over both André Onana and Altay Bayındır.
Reports suggest that United’s push for the 22-year-old has accelerated, with Rúben Amorim determined to add a “dominant” No.1 to his squad before the transfer deadline.
Early Years & Rise Through Belgium’s System
Born in Zottegem in July 2002, Lammens’ career began at the grassroots level with KRC Bambrugge before moving through the ranks at Dender. His big breakthrough came when Club Brugge brought him into their academy in 2014. By the age of 16, he was included in a Champions League squad against Atletico Madrid — an early sign of the talent that scouts and coaches had identified.
His development continued with Brugge’s U23 side, Club NXT, before making his senior debut in the Belgian Super Cup final in 2021, where he helped Brugge to a 3-2 win over Genk. Despite Mignolet’s return blocking his path, Lammens collected valuable silverware and experience before leaving for Royal Antwerp in 2023.
At Antwerp, Lammens found the platform to showcase his ability. Working under Mark van Bommel, he kept 10 clean sheets last season and built a reputation as a penalty-saving specialist - denying four spot-kicks across the campaign.
Beyond that, his stats underline his importance:
Most saves (127) in the Belgian Pro League last season.
Ranked in the top 1% of goalkeepers across Europe’s top 20 leagues for goals prevented (Statman Dave).
Excelled in one-vs-one duels, using sharp positioning and composure to frustrate opposition attackers.
His distribution is also considered a strength, an area where Onana was supposed to give United an edge but has instead struggled since joining from Inter Milan.
United’s Goalkeeping Crisis
It’s no secret that both Onana and Bayındır have been under scrutiny. Onana, still working back from a summer injury, has not lived up to expectations, while Bayındır has looked out of his depth when called upon.
United have dropped cheap points because of defensive uncertainty, and Amorim knows a solid foundation is essential to his rebuilding project.
Lammens, while still young, fits the bill. He would initially provide competition for Onana but is expected to see plenty of minutes as he acclimatises. Importantly, he represents a long-term solution - a goalkeeper who could grow into the role of first-choice for years to come.
Could Lammens Be Amorim's Most Important Signing?
United have already splashed over £200 million this summer on Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but in many ways, Lammens could be the most decisive arrival of them all.
A “dominant” goalkeeper who commands his area, prevents goals, and brings calm to his defenders is something United haven’t had in more than a decade. If he fulfils his potential, Senne Lammens could become the cornerstone of Amorim’s United revival.