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Man Utd left RED-FACED as Leeds & Sunderland REVEAL why they REJECTED Senne Lammens!
Manchester United’s latest goalkeeping recruit, Senne Lammens, could easily have ended up at Leeds United or Sunderland this summer — but both clubs backed away before the Red Devils eventually struck a €21m + €4m deal with Royal Antwerp.
According to fresh reports from Belgium, Leeds and Sunderland made enquiries for the 21-year-old, but quickly walked away after learning of Antwerp’s hefty asking price.
The newly-promoted duo felt the deal was both too expensive and too risky, especially given doubts about Lammens’ suitability for English football.
Instead, Leeds snapped up Lucas Perri from Lyon (£15.6m), while Sunderland landed Robin Roefs from Nijmegen (£11.5m) — both for less than United paid.
For Erik ten Hag’s side, the decision to press ahead is being viewed as something of a gamble, particularly with André Onana struggling and Altay Bayindir already under fire.
The Belgian shot-stopper will now battle Onana for the No.1 role, pushing Bayindir to third-choice with Tom Heaton in reserve.
United legends have already weighed in. Rio Ferdinand revealed Thibaut Courtois personally vouched for Lammens, praising his potential but cautioning that he lacks experience, with only one full season in Belgium under his belt.
Gary Neville, meanwhile, has long insisted United need a keeper with elite pedigree and strong personality — qualities many felt were better embodied by World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez, who stayed at Aston Villa after United chose Lammens instead.
The verdict? While Courtois’ endorsement provides reassurance, doubts remain about whether United can afford to wait for raw talent to develop — especially after two years of costly mistakes in goal.
Leeds and Sunderland might feel vindicated for steering clear, but at Old Trafford, the pressure is on: will Lammens rise to the challenge or become the latest in United’s goalkeeping merry-go-round?
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