Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United revived £17 million negotiations for Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens with just hours remaining in the transfer window
- The club also re-approached Aston Villa regarding a potential £40 million deal for Emiliano Martinez after a rejected loan bid in July
- Errors by current United keepers, Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, have prompted urgent action before deadline
United Scramble for Keeper Reinforcements
Manchester United are engaged in an eleventh-hour push to secure new goalkeeping options before the transfer window closes at 7pm. Club officials have reopened discussions with Royal Antwerp regarding Senne Lammens, tabling a £17 million proposal for the 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper. The urgency comes as the management seeks to address a series of high-profile mishaps from the current options, notably Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana.
In addition, further talks have taken place about Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez. United had a loan approach for the Argentina international rejected in July but have returned with interest as a precautionary measure. As of last night, Martinez, aged 32, was not included in Unai Emery’s squad during Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, fuelling speculation regarding his future at Villa Park.
🇧🇪 Senne Lammens agreed 99% personal terms with Manchester United and expects a green light from United to fly in the next hours BUT… ⚠️
🔴⚪️ Still no agreement yet between MUFC & Royal Antwerp FC while RAFC agreed deal already with Aston Villa & Galatasaray.
🔴😈 Man United… pic.twitter.com/Vjd8hppjlm
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) September 1, 2025
Lammens and Martinez: Profile and Negotiations
Lammens, having attracted attention from Turkish side Galatasaray, has been omitted from Antwerp’s previous two fixtures. Despite having only a single full season in senior football, his potential remains a point of interest. Negotiations temporarily broke down last week due to Manchester United’s insufficient initial offer; however, Antwerp’s willingness to sell and Lammens’ desire for a move have kept talks alive.
Should Martinez depart, Villa have initiated their own contingency by inquiring about Porto’s Diogo Costa, aged 25, and could move for Lammens themselves. Martinez, who was integral to Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and is one of Villa’s top earners with five years remaining on his contract, is reported to be keen on leaving. His representatives have maintained dialogue with United since January.
| Player | Club | Age | Estimated Fee | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senne Lammens | Royal Antwerp | 23 | £17 million | One full senior season |
| Emiliano Martinez | Aston Villa | 32 | £40 million + high wages | 2022 World Cup winner |
Current Situation at Old Trafford
Manchester United’s urgency stems from repeated errors by both Onana and Bayindir, whose mistakes were highlighted during the recent 3-2 victory over Burnley. Reports have suggested that if a new signing is concluded, one of the current pair could move on, especially with Tom Heaton having signed a new one-year deal in June. However, transfer options would be limited to destinations such as Saudi Arabia or Turkey, where the window closes in mid-September.
On the Aston Villa side, Emery has been working to address Martinez’s future before the transfer period ends, while also attempting to improve his squad. Emery started Marco Bizot against Crystal Palace but saw the Dutchman concede a penalty in the first half. Ahead of the match, Emery repeatedly stated “Marco Bizot” when asked about the goalkeeper situation, and later commented: “This is one thing we have to fix with [Martinez] as the window finishes.
Deadline-Day Developments Await
With the window rapidly approaching closure, both Manchester United and Aston Villa face pivotal decisions regarding key personnel in goal. The resolution of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for the squads as they seek to address weaknesses and restore stability between the posts.
