Manchester United Secure Rising Star Senne Lammens in £18.1m Deal

Manchester United have finalized a significant transfer, signing 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for £18.1m, as confirmed by BBC Sport on September 1, 2025. The deal, completed on deadline day, includes a five-year contract and marks a strategic move to bolster the club’s goalkeeping department. Lammens, dubbed the "Baby Courtois" due to his potential to emulate Thibaut Courtois, arrived at Old Trafford for his first visit alongside his agent, signaling the start of his integration into the squad.

The transfer addresses ongoing concerns over the team’s defensive stability, following high-profile errors from current keepers André Onana and Altay Bayindir. Lammens brings a reputation as a calm, ball-playing goalkeeper, with a standout season at Antwerp where he exceeded expected goals conceded metrics, according to Sky Sports analysis. This move follows United’s £232m summer spending spree, including signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, under new manager Ruben Amorim.

Club director Jason Wilcox praised Lammens’ potential, noting his ability to compete immediately while offering long-term growth. The signing aligns with a 15% rise in transfer fees for young goalkeepers under 25, per the 2023 CIES Football Observatory, reflecting United’s focus on youth development amid their Premier League title aspirations.