Manchester United Identify Senne Lammens as Priority Goalkeeper Target Amid Onana Injury Concerns

Manchester United Identify Senne Lammens as Priority Goalkeeper Target Amid Onana Injury Concerns

Manchester United are reportedly targeting Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens as a priority signing in the current transfer window, as concerns grow over the long-term availability of André Onana, who recently suffered an injury scare during pre-season. The Red Devils, now under the firm leadership of Rúben Amorim and a revamped sporting structure led by Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, have swiftly turned their attention to addressing potential vulnerabilities in goal.

 

While Onana’s issue is not yet deemed serious, the club is taking no chances with the upcoming Premier League campaign fast approaching. With limited senior depth in the goalkeeping department and the potential risk of Onana missing competitive fixtures, United have accelerated their search for a reliable, long-term backup who can develop into a future first-choice. Lammens, currently with Royal Antwerp, fits that profile perfectly.

 

 

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Who is Senne Lammens?

 

At 21 years old, Senne Lammens is already well-regarded in Belgian football circles. A product of the Club Brugge youth academy, he made waves in 2019 when he scored a last-minute equaliser as a goalkeeper in a UEFA Youth League match against Real Madrid. His talent, composure, and physical presence between the posts drew early comparisons to fellow Belgian international Thibaut Courtois.

 

In 2023, Lammens made the switch to Royal Antwerp, seeking regular first-team football. Standing at 6’5″ (1.95m), he possesses the modern attributes desired in a top-level goalkeeper—tall, commanding in the air, comfortable with the ball at his feet, and mentally sharp.

 

Despite his relative youth and limited top-flight experience, Lammens has already caught the eye of scouts from across Europe. Manchester United’s interest marks a potential step up in his career, as the club view him as a developmental project with elite potential.

 

 

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The Onana Situation: A Cause for Recalibration

 

United’s move for Lammens has been catalyzed by André Onana’s recent injury, which occurred during a pre-season friendly. Although the Cameroonian goalkeeper was able to walk off the field, the scare highlighted a glaring issue—United’s over-reliance on a single senior goalkeeper.

 

After the departures of David de Gea and Dean Henderson, Onana was expected to be an ever-present figure in United’s goal for years to come. However, with Altay Bayındır still unconvincing in limited appearances and Tom Heaton in the twilight of his career, Amorim has reportedly pushed for reinforcements.

 

United had already planned to add a young goalkeeper to their ranks, but the urgency increased following Onana’s knock. Lammens, with his high ceiling and affordable valuation, has now emerged as the club’s top goalkeeping target.

 

 

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What Makes Lammens a Good Fit for Amorim’s United?

 

Under Amorim, United are expected to shift toward a more structured, pressing-oriented style, with emphasis on playing out from the back, much like his successful teams at Sporting CP. That style demands a goalkeeper who is:

 

Comfortable distributing under pressure

 

Quick off the line

 

Capable of commanding a high defensive line

 

Resilient under intense scrutiny

 

 

Lammens’ performances at youth international level for Belgium, as well as for Antwerp, have shown that he’s confident with his feet and unafraid to take responsibility. His distribution is composed, often seeking out short passes rather than panicked clearances. Furthermore, his reflexes and shot-stopping instincts have matured significantly over the past two seasons.

 

These attributes make him an ideal understudy to Onana, who excels in similar aspects of the game. Amorim is believed to want a backup who can seamlessly slot into the system without a tactical overhaul should Onana miss games.

 

 

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Negotiations and Transfer Details

 

Sources close to the situation suggest that initial talks have already taken place between Manchester United and Royal Antwerp. The Belgian club, who value Lammens at around £8–10 million, are open to selling if their valuation is met.

 

With Lammens having two years remaining on his current deal, Antwerp are aware this window could be their best chance to command a strong fee. United, for their part, are willing to push forward quickly, as Amorim wants all key signings completed before the season kicks off.

 

It is also believed that United would consider loaning Lammens back to Antwerp for one season if Onana recovers fully and Bayındır regains the coaching staff’s trust. This would mirror the developmental path United have pursued with other young talents in recent windows, showing a long-term vision rather than short-term panic buying.

 

 

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Youth-Focused Strategy Under New Regime

 

Lammens’ profile fits seamlessly into the club’s new data-driven, youth-focused approach spearheaded by Wilcox and Berrada. Rather than chasing aging stars or overpriced veterans, United are now prioritizing emerging talent with high potential resale value.

 

This policy has already been seen in other areas of recruitment, with United heavily linked to younger targets like Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Olise, and João Neves. Lammens, at just 21, could be the ideal long-term investment between the sticks.

 

Moreover, with the likelihood of Onana heading to the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2026, United want to ensure they are not caught off-guard. Lammens could provide cover during such spells, avoiding a repeat of previous years where United had to scramble for emergency options.

 

 

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Fan Reaction and What This Means for Bayındır

 

The news of United’s interest in Lammens has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some see it as a smart, future-proof signing that aligns with the club’s shifting philosophy. Others worry it might spell the end for Altay Bayındır, who has barely featured since his arrival from Fenerbahçe.

 

Bayındır, a Turkish international with decent pedigree, has struggled to break into the first team. Should Lammens arrive, it could either push Bayındır further down the pecking order or force an exit, possibly on loan or a permanent deal.

 

For Tom Heaton, it would also likely mean a transition to a mentorship role or even a backroom coaching position, should the veteran choose to hang up his gloves.

 

 

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Conclusion: Lammens Deal Signals a New Era of Goalkeeping Recruitment

 

The pursuit of Senne Lammens highlights a key transformation happening at Manchester United. No longer reactive or scattergun in approach, the club is now targeting players who fit both the system and the long-term sporting project.

 

Lammens is not just a contingency for an injured Onana—he’s a signal of intent, a player who can grow under Amorim’s guidance and one day challenge for the No.1 jersey. With youth on his side, a mature mindset, and the technical tools to thrive, Senne Lammens could soon be stepping through the doors of Old Trafford—not as a star signing, but as a foundation for the future.

 

As Manchester United seek to reassert themselves in English and European football, signing a promising goalkeeper like Lammens is not just good business—it’s smart footballing foresight.