Senne Lammens was determined to make the move to Old Trafford.
Even though he has not featured for Manchester United yet, there was no doubt about Senne Lammens’ commitment to joining the club.
On a hectic deadline day, United finalised an agreement with Royal Antwerp for the Belgian goalkeeper, opting for him over Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
The Red Devils chose a younger player with long-term potential over a more expensive, short-term solution.
Royal Antwerp had a deal in place with Aston Villa
Antwerp were more than satisfied with the terms, having signed Lammens on a bargain deal from Club Brugge just a year earlier.
Still, they could have earned even more, as Aston Villa had put forward a higher bid.
Villa had already identified Lammens as a potential replacement should Martinez depart for United, with a deal nearly in place with Antwerp.
But United chose to pursue Lammens instead, and the feeling was mutual. It was clear that Old Trafford was where he wanted to be.
“We already had an agreement with Aston Villa. In those final days, it looked like Emiliano Martinez would leave. Only Senne himself didn’t want to go to Birmingham,” told Sven Jacques, Antwerp general manager, to Het Laatste Nieuws.
“Manchester United’s first offer only came after that agreement with Aston Villa. And that offer was considerably lower.”
Soon after deadline day arrived, discussions between Antwerp and United moved quickly due to the pressing nature of the window closing.
He explained: “We finally started talking to Manchester United. And about four hours later, we had an agreement on Lammens’ transfer.”
Senne Lammens waiting for his chance
Senne Lammens was left out of Manchester United’s matches against Manchester City and Chelsea, with Altay Bayindir getting the nod in both games.
United have Brentford and Sunderland up next, and head coach Ruben Amorim now has a decision to make on whether to bring the Belgian goalkeeper into the line-up.
Lammens is expected to get his opportunity at some point. The international break is just around the corner, and United’s first match back will be at home against Liverpool.
There have been reports suggesting United might look to add another goalkeeper in 2026, but it is too early to tell if that is necessary without giving Lammens a proper run in the side.
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