Manchester United pick Lammens over Martinez in search for goalkeeper solution
Manchester United will hope they have found the fix for their goalkeeping woes in Senne Lammens.
Manchester United are set to sign goalkeeper Senne Lammens having agreed a deal for the Belgium Under-21 international instead of progressing with a move for Emiliano Martinez.
United’s goalkeeping situation was put under the microscope again following a dismal performance from Andre Onana as the Red Devils suffered a humiliating EFL Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town.
They explored deals for Lammens and Argentina international Martinez, who was left out of Aston Villa’s squad for their 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
But United have decided to go ahead with Lammens rather than Martinez, reaching full agreement with Royal Antwerp on a deal worthy €21million (£18.2m) plus add-ons.
The 23-year-old will reportedly sign a five-year contract with the Red Devils, and he could made his debut on an extremely big stage.
Manchester derby awaits for Lammens
United claimed four points from their opening three Premier League games, needing a controversial 97th-minute penalty to beat Burnley 3-2 on Saturday.
Their first game after the international break is the small matter of the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.
A debut against Manchester City may be considered a risk. However, given the struggles of both Onana and Altay Bayindir, Ruben Amorim may see starting Lammens immediately as the best course of actions.
Lammens has yet to make an appearance for the Belgium national team, but was called up to the squad for the first time in March before being selected again in June.
He enjoyed an excellent 2024-25 campaign for Antwerp. No goalkeeper in the Belgian Pro League last season made more saves (127) or had a higher save percentage (81.4) than Lammens. He did not keep a clean sheet in his four appearances for Antwerp this season, but saved a penalty in their opener against Union Saint-Gilloise. He saved four of the six penalties he faced in the league last season.
Lammens will become United’s fifth signing of the transfer window, following Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon.