By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for an initial €21 million (£18.1m) plus add-ons, as the club seeks to address mounting concerns in its goalkeeping department.
The 23-year-old is expected in Manchester to complete a five-year contract after being omitted from Antwerp’s last two league fixtures against KV Mechelen and KVC Westerlo. United sources confirmed there is no sell-on clause in the agreement.
Head coach Ruben Amorim acknowledged the difficulty of the position at Old Trafford following his side’s 3-2 victory over Burnley on Saturday.
“I think it is hard to be a Manchester United goalkeeper in this moment,” Amorim said.
United began the season with Turkey international Altay Bayindir starting in goal, but mistakes against Arsenal on the opening weekend and again at Turf Moor raised fresh doubts about his reliability.
Last season’s number one, Andre Onana, has also been under scrutiny since his £47.2m transfer from Inter Milan in 2023. His only appearance this season came in last week’s EFL Cup exit to Grimsby Town, where he conceded during regular time and saved only one penalty in a decisive shootout.
Onana’s performances last season drew criticism, with former United midfielder Nemanja Matic describing him as “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s history. Amorim subsequently dropped the Cameroon international for league fixtures.
, who joined Antwerp from Club Brugge in 2023, made 64 appearances for the Belgian side and lifted the Belgian Super Cup in his first season. He earned his first call-up to Belgium’s senior squad in March 2025 and is viewed as a potential successor to Thibaut Courtois. Last season, he featured in 30 league matches and kept seven clean sheets.
United had considered Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez as an option but opted for Lammens due to his age profile and potential. The signing comes on a busy transfer deadline day for the club, with Antony close to a move to Real Betis, Jadon Sancho expected to join Aston Villa on loan, and Rasmus Hojlund in talks with Napoli. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is expected to remain at Old Trafford despite interest in a loan move.