United agree personal terms with outstanding 23-yo star as sixth summer signing draws closer – The Athletic

Manchester United have “agreed personal terms” with Senne Lammens but it remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck with Royal Antwerp for the 23-year-old goalkeeper, according to journalist Laurie Whitwell.

Martinez or Lammens?

With over £200 million already spent this summer, United still have a number of key weaknesses in Ruben Amorim’s squad – chiefly, in goal and central midfield.

And while the hunt for a new number eight appears to have hit a brick wall after Brighton & Hove Albion made it clear Carlos Baleba – United’s first-choice target – was not for sale, a new goalkeeper looks on the verge of joining.

But whether it is Lammens or Aston Villa number one, Emiliano Martinez, is a decision being wrestled with at Old Trafford as tonight’s 7pm deadline fast approaches.

Lammens has been the target most strongly linked in recent weeks with the Belgium U-21 international having enjoyed a superb campaign for Antwerp last season.

But United have relaunched efforts in the last 24 hours to explore a move for Martinez, having previously offered a loan deal earlier in the summer, which was swiftly rejected by Villa.

Both goalkeepers are keen on the switch to Old Trafford and United appear to be hedging their bets by pursuing concurrent deals – with the intention of then settling on a final decision over which one to sign.

And Whitwell (The Athletic) now reveals United have passed an important hurdle in the move for Lammens.

Personal Terms Agreed

Whitwell states United have reached an agreement on personal terms with Lammens though they are “yet to sort [a] transfer fee with Royal Antwerp”.

Manchester United agree personal terms with Senne Lammens. Still yet to sort transfer fee with Royal Antwerp, negotiations on.#MUFC also in talks on Emi Martinez. But will complete just one deal for a goalkeeper ⬇️https://t.co/B0zrvG6mOc

— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) September 1, 2025

Tweet: “Manchester United agree personal terms with Senne Lammens. Still yet to sort transfer fee with Royal Antwerp, negotiations on. #MUFC also in talks on Emi Martinez. But will complete just one deal for a goalkeeper.”

The report reveals there is “not yet a club-to-club agreement” with Antwerp believed to be holding out for €25 million – a club record fee and a hike in price from the fee discussed earlier this month.

Whitwell writes, “[Lammens] would have to travel to Manchester this morning if the deal has a realistic chance of completion ahead of this evening’s transfer deadline”.

Interestingly, Villa are also interested in the Belgian shot stopper if Martinez was to depart for Old Trafford, adding another layer of complexity to an already difficult deal.

With less than nine hours left until the summer window slams shut, United cannot afford to miss out on a new goalkeeper and INEOS appear acutely aware of this. The only question which remains is: which new number one do they pick?

Feature image Octavio Passos via Getty Images

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