Man United ‘on the verge’ of Signing £17m Star – Report | OneFootball

Manchester United Close in on Senne Lammens as Goalkeeper Shuffle Continues

Manchester United are on the verge of finalising a deal for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, with reports from The Guardian confirming the 23-year-old has been left out of Royal Antwerp’s matchday squad against Mechelen as his £17m move draws near.

The decision to stand Lammens down from the Pro League fixture underlines how advanced talks are, with United keen to accelerate the process. As one report explained, “The current plan is that the 23-year-old goalkeeper has been stood down from the Pro League fixture… with United expecting his move to become official imminently.”

Amorim’s Push for Depth in Goal

Manager Ruben Amorim has pressed for greater competition in the goalkeeping department. His stance reflects concerns around André Onana’s form and the lack of stability between the posts. Onana was dropped for the season opener against Arsenal and his replacement, Altay Bayindir, produced a costly mistake that handed Riccardo Calafiori the winner at Old Trafford.

While Onana remains under contract and “expects to remain at Manchester United beyond the current transfer window,” the arrival of Lammens will increase the scrutiny on his performances. Amorim has long valued competition for places, and the acquisition of Lammens aligns with that philosophy.

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Lammens’ Profile and Background

Standing at 6ft 3in, the Belgium Under-21 international has steadily built his reputation. He first broke through at Club Brugge in July 2021 before switching to Antwerp in 2023, where his Champions League debut came against Porto in a 2-0 defeat.

Though relatively young, Lammens brings valuable experience of European football. His signing would also cover United during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Onana is set to represent Cameroon. This foresight from the recruitment team appears deliberate, given the importance of avoiding gaps in such a crucial position.

Salary Expectations and Squad Balance

Bayindir is understood to be earning around £80,000 per week, and similar figures are expected to be offered to Lammens. The numbers reflect a balanced approach to squad salaries while maintaining high-level competition.

A player of Lammens’ profile will not immediately displace Onana but his presence could be decisive in ensuring United do not lose momentum when fixtures pile up. Having three goalkeepers with different qualities gives Amorim tactical flexibility, something he has championed since his arrival.

Wider Implications for United’s Season

United’s defensive record has come under scrutiny, and the revolving door in goal has only added to the uncertainty. By securing Lammens, the club are signalling a long-term plan. In the words of one source, “Onana… is now poised to face further pressure for his place from Lammens.”

This dynamic will keep standards high, with the Cameroonian international needing to deliver consistently if he wants to retain the number one spot.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this deal is intriguing. Amorim has shown early on that he is unwilling to leave anything to chance, and the pursuit of Senne Lammens highlights that determination. The goalkeeping position has been unsettled since the opening day defeat to Arsenal, and while Onana is still regarded as a top keeper, fans will remember how quickly his confidence dipped last season when mistakes crept into his game.

The arrival of Lammens feels like part of a broader culture shift. He is young, ambitious and not expected to walk straight into the starting XI, but his presence immediately raises the standards for Bayindir and Onana. For supporters, this is reassuring. United cannot afford another season where defensive lapses undo all the hard work further up the pitch.

Onana’s impending absence during the Africa Cup of Nations makes this transfer look even smarter. Fans have witnessed too many seasons derailed by poor planning during international tournaments, and Amorim is clearly looking to avoid that trap.

Of course, questions will be asked about whether the £17m fee could have been invested in an outfield player, especially with gaps still evident in midfield. However, a solid goalkeeper can be worth far more in points over a season, and Amorim has decided this is the right move.

For now, supporters will be curious to see how Lammens settles in. The hope is that his arrival sparks a healthy rivalry that benefits the team, rather than destabilising it. Amorim has built his reputation on creating competitive squads, and United fans will back him as long as the results follow.