Manchester United are reportedly advancing on a deal for goalkeeper Senne Lammens, as Ruben Amorim looks to bolster his options between the sticks. Altay Bayindir came under criticism for his role in the decisive goal against Arsenal last weekend, whereas Andre Onana has struggled ever since penning a big-money move from Inter Milan.
Onana wasn’t involved in the matchday squad for the Arsenal fixture at Old Trafford, with suggestions it could point to a move away from the club. Amorim was quick to confirm his absence was fitness-related, but that hasn’t stopped talk of United entering the market for a new shot-stopper from surfacing.
It looks as if the man in question could prove to be Lammens, who is reportedly high up on the Red Devils’ wishlist. Lammens is currently on the books at Belgian side Antwerp and is considered one of the most promising goalkeepers in European football.
What’s more, according to sources in Belgium, personal terms between Lammens and United have already been agreed. On top of that, the 23-year-old is unlikely to command a hefty price, given a fee of £17million is being mooted for the Antwerp ace.
It’s expected that Lammens and Onana would compete for the No.1 spot at United, even though Amorim has plenty of concerns around the latter’s suitability. Lammens could provide a more reliable option in goal, with the ex-Club Brugge star having kept 12 clean sheets in 60 senior appearances for Antwerp.
His performances caught the attention of Belgium manager Rudi Garcia, who called him up for their Nations League fixtures against Ukraine in March. While he didn’t feature in either of the matches, it was a clear indication that he’s in the manager’s thoughts and could be considered as a potential successor to Thibaut Courtois’ No.1 spot.
Lammens has backed himself to shine if he made the move to a Premier League side, saying: “Immediately a world [renowned] team that follows you. That is special. Of course, I was also spoken to about it a lot and when I made a save in training, it was United this, United that [from colleagues]… It’s only positive.
“Especially because it’s the best competition in the world and my profile, my stature and way of playing, is similar to English football. You have to physically hold your own there and that suits me.”