Ruben Amorim has problems galore on his plate with his Manchester United side languishing in 13th position in the Premier League table.
After a solid start to the season, Andre Onana has added to the head coach’s headache with high-profile errors in both the domestic league and Europa League.
Backup keeper Altay Bayindir has seen his minutes increase in cup competitions but the Turk is desperate for more opportunities and there are murmurs he wants out.
Amorim would ideally like to add competition for the No 1 spot and the Red Devils were linked with a January move for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Goalkeeper hunt
He is the Belgian side’s undisputed No 1 and has kept five clean sheets this season in 25 games. The 22-year-old has been described as a “superb talent” with a knack for pulling off amazing stops even from close-range.
And his displays for Antwerp has attracted interest from the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal as well as from the 20-time English league champions.
The Belgium U21 international was asked by Gazet van Antwerpen (via Sport Witness) whether he was aware of the interest from the English giants and he admitted that he was in the loop and that his teammates have also been hounding him with questions.
“The first time I heard it, I thought: wow, Immediately a world team that follows you. That is special. Of course I was also asked about it a lot and when I made a save in training.
“Those top clubs have so many scouts and follow so many players. So it doesn’t have to mean anything yet. It will only become clear in the summer whether anything will come of it. But of course, it is only positive.”
Lammens also opined that he feels his physical prowess suits the English game and while he is happy at his current club, he would find it difficult to turn an offer down should one arrive next summer.
“Especially because it is about the best competition in the world and my profile – my stature and way of playing – is suitable for English football. You have to physically hold your own there and that suits me.
Lammens open to the challenge
“I do follow the teams that follow you a bit. But it’s not like I’m watching full matches. Summaries are enough. If something comes along that I can hardly say ‘no’ to and that will benefit the club, I’ll have to think about it seriously. But if I’m the first keeper here for another year, that’s no problem.
“On the contrary: I’m in a luxurious position. Let me be clear, don’t make me crazy either. I’m an Antwerp player and as long as that’s the case, I’ll focus fully on my work here.”
The goalie would reportedly cost around €10 million and his age and potential makes him the perfect fit for INEOS. A lot will depend on Bayindir’s future and the club’s summer budget.
Amorim needs a striker and midfielder far more urgently and should there be enough money available for a backup keeper, an approach cannot be ruled out especially if the shot-stopper ends the season strongly.
Feature image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
