Manchester United left it late when they decided to make a move for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens in the summer transfer window.
It’s no secret that Man United have been in desperate need of a proven goalkeeper, particularly since both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana have exhibited a multitude of errors in recent times between the sticks.
Even more concerning is the fact that neither keeper appears to have adjusted to life at Old Trafford, meaning that Ruben Amorim’s team is lacking in a critical area of the pitch.
That is, until, the approach for Lammens was made.
Making it official
While United were linked with both Lammens and Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez until deadline day, the club ultimately made a move for the young Belgian, completing his transfer with just hours remaining of the transfer window.
Priced at £18.2m, it seems that United may have scored a bargain.
Still, the actions of some of the club’s transfer rivals may indicate that there is more to this signing than meets the eye.
Premier League rivals open up
While United long expressed an interest in signing the Belgian, Leeds United and Sunderland were both named as clubs which had inquired about Lammens.
Still, given United’s superior reputation, it came as no surprise that he signed for Amorim’s side instead.
But it appears that Leeds and Sunderland may have decided against signing Lammens on their own accord.
“Manchester United’s new goalkeeper Senne Lammens was watched by Premier League rivals – only for clubs to resist the move due to doubts about his suitability for English football,” the Daily Mail reported.
“The Premier League poses a range of tests for goalkeepers – athletic, mental, physical, technical – that exceed those of most other leagues and though scouts could see Lammens’ potential, they felt it would be a risk to pitch him straight into a first-choice role in England,” the article continued.
While an undoubtedly talented goalkeeper, with superb shot-stopping abilities, it’s important to note that he lacks experience in Europe’s top leagues.
He has spent his career in the Belgian Pro League, away from the pressure of the Premier League, while enjoying little UEFA Champions League exposure.
Despite this limited experience, everybody has to start somewhere. United fans will be hoping for him to get off to a flying start, providing the defensive coverage that has so far been lacking between the sticks.
Featured image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
