Manchester United signed Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for 21m euros plus add-ons.
Lammens, 23, agreed to a five-year contract at Old Trafford despite not yet winning a senior international cap.
He expressed pride and called the move to United a dream come true and a special new chapter.
Lammens played 64 games for Antwerp and lifted the Belgian Super Cup in 2023 before joining United.
Belgium named him in their national squad for the first time in March, confirming his rapid rise.
United’s director of football Jason Wilcox praised his talent and highlighted the competition to secure his signature.
Once the Lammens transfer advanced, United dropped their pursuit of Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
United targeted Lammens to address continuing problems in their goalkeeping department after several recent disappointments.
Altay Bayindir committed errors in the league, while Andre Onana’s mistake caused their EFL Cup elimination.
United parted ways with David de Gea and Dean Henderson in 2023, creating instability between the posts.
Veteran Tom Heaton, 39, remains third choice but last played in February 2023, showing squad limitations.
The Journey of Senne Lammens
Lammens moved from Club Brugge to Antwerp in 2023 on a free transfer and quickly became first choice.
He represented Belgium consistently at youth levels, from Under-15 to Under-21, before senior call-up consideration.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia excluded him from World Cup qualifiers, instead selecting Chelsea prospect Mike Penders.
In 2023–24, Lammens made 30 league appearances, recorded seven clean sheets, and completed 173 saves.
He made 20 more saves than any goalkeeper across Europe’s top-10 leagues, proving his reliability under pressure.
No other goalkeeper in Europe stopped more penalties than his four last season, highlighting his specialist skills.
Before United signed him, Antwerp excluded Lammens from consecutive Pro League matches against Mechelen and Westerlo.
Confidence and Expectations Surrounding New Signing
Belgian journalist Axel Brisart described Lammens as one of Belgium’s brightest goalkeeping prospects with high potential.
Brisart noted Lammens’ confidence, maturity, and belief that he can become United’s first-choice goalkeeper soon.
He praised his shot-stopping, reflexes, and training saves that impressed both coaches and team-mates.
Observers admired his proactive style, distribution skills, and passing ability that injects tempo into team play.
Brisart highlighted his occasional risks when contesting high balls, an area experience will improve.
He believed United offered more pressure than Antwerp, but Lammens wanted this ambitious step in his career.
Analysts concluded that United gained a serious shot-stopper capable of shaping their goalkeeping future.
