Manchester United transfer news: Who is Senne Lammens? Red Devils target compared to Thibaut Courtois

Manchester United have been keeping a close eye on Royal Antwerp’s young goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, since late 2024.

The 23-year-old Belgian was a standout performer in the most recent Jupiler Pro League season, recording the most saves (127) and the highest save percentage (81.4%) in Belgium's top flight.

The interest from the Red Devils has been reported by Spanish outlet Marca, The Telegraph in England, and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who claims United have already made initial contact to gather information about the player’s contractual situation.

Lammens is one of the leading options on United’s shortlist, should the club opt to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer. When asked about the prospect of joining the Premier League side, Lammens responded:

“Manchester United is one of the best clubs in the world... But you never know. It could be another club, or I could stay here. Anyway, I try to keep my feet on the ground. It’s true that when teams like this come to you, it’s because you deserved it.”

Senne Lammens compared to Thibaut Courtois

Tall, agile, and a penalty specialist — saving four out of eight last season — Lammens has drawn comparisons to Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois. Frank Boeckx, former goalkeeping coach at Anderlecht, believes the comparison is not far-fetched.

“He still has a year or two to develop. His next club probably won’t be Barcelona or Real Madrid, but I wouldn’t rule out that, after some time, he could reach the level Courtois is at now,” Boeckx told Belgian outlet La Derniere Heure.

A product of Club Brugge’s youth academy, Lammens moved to Royal Antwerp in July 2023. He played 44 matches as the club’s first-choice keeper last season, conceding 56 goals and keeping 10 clean sheets.

After representing Belgium at nearly every youth level, he received his first senior call-up in March 2025 for the Nations League play-offs against Ukraine, remaining on the bench for both matches.

“He’s excellent at shot-stopping and positioning. His distribution — short or long, with either foot — is also impressive. Standing at 1.93m, he’s got the physical presence and strong reflexes needed at the top level. He’s very composed in one-on-one situations.”

A rare goal against Real Madrid

Back in 2019, while still playing for Club Brugge’s youth side, Lammens made headlines during a UEFA Youth League match against Real Madrid. Trailing 2-1 in stoppage time, the young keeper went forward for a last-minute corner and scored a dramatic equaliser with a header in the 95th minute.

The goal was reminiscent of Sergio Ramos’ iconic equaliser in the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid — part of Real’s famous “La Decima” triumph.

This article was originally published on Trivela.