Manchester United completed the signing of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for €21m (£18m) plus add-ons on transfer deadline day. The 22-year-old Belgian Under-21 international has signed a five-year contract and will challenge for the No 1 spot.
United opted for Lammens over Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez due to the Argentine’s £35m asking price and age; Martínez turns 33 this week. Lammens joins an already crowded goalkeeping department that includes André Onana, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton.
Lammens is United’s fourth major signing of the window, following Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, taking the club’s summer spending to £225.2m. Manager Ruben Amorim is relaxed about managing four goalkeepers, especially with Onana expected to be absent for the African Cup of Nations.
Outgoings included Antony, sold to Real Betis for a €25m (£21.6m) package including a 50% sell-on clause. Jadon Sancho joined Aston Villa on loan, with Villa covering 80% of his wages. Rasmus Højlund also moved on loan to Napoli, with an obligation to buy if they qualify for the Champions League.
United failed to sign a midfielder, despite an enquiry to Atlético Madrid for Connor Gallager. Kobbie Mainoo’s wish for a loan was not granted, and Tyrell Malacia also remained at Old Trafford.
