Manchester United have been lining up a £17million move for Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens, but a former player has warned he is not the solution to the club’s goalkeeping woes

10:47, 27 Aug 2025Updated 10:49, 27 Aug 2025

Man Utd head coach Ruben AmorimMan Utd head coach Ruben Amorim has been told it will take a miracle for his next planned signing to work(Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Manchester United have been warned their potential next signing will require “a miracle” to be successful, as the club juggle multiple deals ahead of Monday’s deadline.

Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer in a deal reportedly worth £17million. United’s goalkeeping situation has become a growing concern in recent weeks, prompting the club to consider delving into the transfer market.

Altay Bayindir has started in each of United’s opening two Premier League games ahead of Andre Onana. The Turkey international was strongly criticised after being caught out at a corner for Arsenal‘s winner on the opening weekend of the season.

While he kept his place for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham, he again looked vulnerable when it came to dealing with crosses. With Onana also often called out for mistakes during his two years at United, the need for Ruben Amorim to find a new shot-stopper to challenge for the No. 1 spot now looks more pressing than ever.

As things stand, the Red Devils’ hopes of signing Lammens appear to be hanging firmly in the balance, despite fending off interest from Galatasaray. The Daily Mail claims that United are reliant on several other deals falling into place which could impact whether the 23-year-old joins before Monday’s transfer deadline.

United are still trying to agree a deal with Chelsea for Alejandro Garnacho to move to Stamford Bridge, while Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia are all still at the club and surplus to requirements.

Even if the bid for Lammens is successful, former United and Wrexham keeper Ben Foster has raised major doubts over whether he is capable of performing in the Premier League.

Senne Lammens of Royal Antwerp pictured during a match between against KRC GenkUnited have been heavily linked with a move for Royal Antwerp shot-stopper Senne Lammens(Image: 2024 BSR Agency)

Speaking on his Fozcast podcast, he said: “I actually watched a little highlight reel of him on YouTube, and he looks okay. I still don’t think it’s the answer, though.

“He looks like he’s a decent young goalkeeper. But I just think to go and pluck somebody from Royal Antwerp and expect them to be able to be a world class goalkeeper in the Premier League, it’s a miracle if you get it right.”

Foster gave his verdict on Bayindir’s recent displays in goal, accusing him of being bullied off the ball too easily from set pieces. He also expressed his belief that the former Fenerbahce should not be United’s first choice keeper in the long term.

Andre Onana (L) and Altay Bayindir of Manchester United talk as they make their way out for a training session at Carrington Training GroundOnana and Bayindir have both failed to make the United goalkeeper position their own(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)

“I think we’re in agreement that Bayindir isn’t the answer,” he said. “I thought he got very lucky on a couple occasions [at Fulham] where corners are coming into the box.

“I’m thinking that any time they get the chance to put the ball in the box, they’re just going to stick it on top of Bayindir. They’re just going to bully him out the way, and they’re going to put the ball in the back of the net.”

Meanwhile, it has also been reported the potential arrival of Lammens will not impact Onana’s situation at United. Despite the Cameroonian not featuring in the opening two games, he is expected to make his first appearance in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match at Grimsby.

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