Manchester United are reportedly facing competition from two rival Premier League clubs in their pursuit of Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Sanne Lammens.
United could revamp goalkeeping department
United could look to overhaul their goalkeeping department amidst uncertainty over the futures of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
Both shot-stoppers have been unconvincing since they joined the club in the summer of 2023, putting up shaky performances and making calamitous mistakes that have proven costly on multiple occasions.
United are believed to be open to offloading the pair, although no concrete offers for any of them have arrived. Onana recently sustained a hamstring injury that has ruled him out of pre-season and potentially the opening stages of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Meanwhile, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Bayindir’s agent has been to Carrington in the past few days in an effort to understand where his client lies in Ruben Amorim’s plans.
If either or even both goalkeepers depart, United will almost certainly have to replace them, despite tying down Tom Heaton to a new one-year deal.
One option that has popped up on United’s radar is Lammens.
Lammens on United’s list
Widely considered one of the best up-and-coming goalkeepers in Europe currently, Lammens was brilliant for Antwerp last term.
He ended the season with an average of 1.22 goals conceded per game, balancing that with an eye-catching 173 saves, which works out to 4.3 saves per match and a solid 78% save rate.
The 23-year-old made 41 appearances and kept 10 clean sheets in that period.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United have identified Lammens as a potential replacement for Bayindir and someone who could provide competition for Onana.
Now, a fresh update has been provided and it appears United are not alone in their admiration for the player, with two other Premier League clubs eyeing him.
United in three-way Premier League race for Lammens
According to Gazet van Antwerpen [via SportWitness], newly-promoted duo Leeds United and Sunderland are also keeping tabs on Lammens.
Antwerp have already signed another goalkeeper, Taishi Brandon Nozawa, strongly suggesting that they are preparing for life without Lammens.
The Belgian outfit value Lammens at €20m, which is relatively affordable for United, Leeds and Sunderland.
Antwerp sporting director Marc Overmars recently confirmed that Lammens will be leaving the side this summer.
Overmars said in an interview, “The transfer of Senne Lammens has to happen, because we’ve already signed his replacement. We’d rather not see a Butez-Lammens scenario again. Senne is our most sought-after player.”
“There are plenty of clubs ready to make a move.”
Feature image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
