Personal terms almost done: Man Utd close in on new signing who’d be as vital as Bruno – opinion

Although it appears that Manchester United has made good summer purchases, INEOS and Jason Wilcox are still looking for new options before the transfer deadline on September 1st.

There was a renewed air of energy following last weekend’s setback to Arsenal; despite the loss, United were more logical, calm, and self-assured, particularly offensively. However, there is undoubtedly more work to be done.

The Red Devils need to make a few more additions if they are to achieve the balance that would propel them toward their goals, even though club captain Bruno Fernandes has set his sights on an incredible comeback this season.

Man Utd closing on statement signing

Man United has looked to the lower tiers of the field after the frontline was reorganized, and Amorim seems to be interested in acquiring a new midfield player.

Although Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion has been at the top of the list, INEOS has been told that they will not be interested in making a formal approach for the 21-year-old this summer.

Despite ongoing efforts to bring in a new presence in the engine room, many Red Devil supporters think that acquiring a new goalkeeper is more crucial.

Manchester United and Royal Antwerp are reportedly nearing a personal terms agreement for 23-year-old goalkeeper Senne Lammens, while negotiations are also in progress between the two teams, according to Fabrizio Romano.

With an eye toward a long-term contract of around €20 million (£17 million), talks are progressing. Romano thought it was important to note that Manchester City is not in the running because they want to recruit their own goalkeeper.

Why Man Utd need Senne Lammens

After his contract with Club Brugge expired in June 2023, Lammens moved to Antwerp, a port city, where he has since made 64 appearances and won the 2023–24 Super Cup.

Although the Belgian, who is being hailed as Thibaut Courtois’ replacement in goal for the Belgium national team, has not yet fully settled into his role, he possesses the qualities necessary to compete with the best goalkeepers on the continent and has already demonstrated a level of skill that places him in the top bracket.

According to Sofascore, Lammens had a 77% save percentage and stopped an incredible 15.57 goals (xG) in the Belgian Pro League game last year.

Given that Jordan Pickford led the Premier League goalkeeper charts with 6.15 goals prevented the previous season, that is extremely impressive. If the Belgian can carry over his form to United, he could be by far the best goalkeeper in England.

With Altay Bayındır’s error that allowed Arsenal to win at Old Trafford last week and Andre Onana out of the running after his disastrous 2024–25 campaign, such steady hands might be very beneficial for Amorim’s team.

By changing the script, Lammens would have the same influence on the Manchester team as the previously described Fernandes.

Since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for a reported £68 million, Fernandes has been Man United’s lucky charm for several years.

In all competitions, he recorded 19 goals and 19 assists last year, and he also created more chances than any other Premier League player. He has a profound impact on his colleagues and his influence is unbounded.

Although Lammens is a young and undiscovered player, talent scout Jacek Kulig has praised his amazing shot-stopping skills and “simply phenomenal” all-around game, suggesting he might be the player United has been looking for for the previous few years.

With a more dependable goalie, Man United may have won the match, and their confidence would have boosted the rest of the team. They deserved more than to lose to Arsenal.

It’s very unclear if Lammens would be able to match Fernandes, pound for pound, as it were. However, he has the makings of a top-tier goalie, and United might make all the difference if they win this one and add a lot to their goalkeeping staff.