RUBEN AMORIM hopes he can finally solve his goalkeeping woes after landing Belgian Senne Lammens for an initial £18.2million.
Both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have dropped clangers during a chaotic start to Manchester United’s season.
6
6
6
And that contributed to the club’s decision to hit the transfer market – and they opted for Lammens ahead of Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez.
Last week the move for the Antwerp man looked to have gone cold with neither his club nor the player happy with what United offered.
However, another difficult day for Bayindir against Burnley meant they reignited their interest.
World Cup winner Martinez – who has been keen on a move to United all summer – was also sounded out.
Had Jadon Sancho been willing to move to Villa Park on a permanent transfer, a deal for the Argentine keeper could have been done.
However, the former England winger would only agree to a loan – so attention turned back to Lammens.
He is almost ten years younger and it was also a cheaper deal to do so United believe they have gone for the sensible option.
The 23-year-old goes into the pool of keepers which also includes Tom Heaton and up to £3.5m could be paid in add-ons to his old club if he proves to be a success.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
Lammens said: “I am extremely proud to be joining Manchester United, it is a real dream come true.
“The past few years have been an amazing journey, it’s now ended in an incredible destination and hopefully the beginning of something
special.
“You can feel the positive atmosphere that is being created here, and I know that I can make a real impact at the club in the coming years.
“I cannot wait to get to know my team-mates and begin working with Ruben and the coaching staff.
“This is the perfect place to keep developing, grow together with this exciting team and achieve my career objectives.”
United director of football Jason Wilcox added: “Senne is an excellent young goalkeeper with great potential.
“We are delighted that he has chosen to join Manchester United after significant interest from a number of clubs.”
The Lammens transfer leaves World Cup winner Martinez in a tricky situation at Villa Park after he was pulled out of the defeat by Crystal Palace on Sunday evening in the hope he could secure a move.
United will now weigh up whether to allow either Bayindir or Onana to leave as both have had interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia in the past.
However, Onana is due to travel to Afcon with Cameroon in mid-December so United may opt to sell both.
United – who spent £200m on strengthening their forward line – made an enquiry for England midfielder Conor Gallagher.
But his current club Atletico Madrid were not willing to let him leave on loan so they were quickly knocked back.
6
TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY LIVE – KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST AS THE CLOCK TICKS
Meanwhile, Amorim managed to clear some of his squad players with Rasmus Hojlund completing his switch to Napoli on a season-long loan.
The deal will be made into a £38m permanent move if his new club qualify for the Champions League this season.
He will return to Manchester with his new club later this month – as they face City in the top Uefa competition.
Brazilian winger Antony joined Real Betis for £21.7m after impressing on loan last season.
The former Ajax man – who joined for £85.5m three years ago – waived a £4m loyalty bonus to ensure the move was finalised.
Full-back Tyrell Malacia is the only member of the ‘Bomb Squad’ not to get fixed up after a switch to Spanish club Elche fell through.
Young defender Harry Amass is joining Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on loan.
6
6
