Senne Lammens Joins Man United after Trio was signed out. Image- Getty Images.
(The Post News)– Manchester United executed a major squad shake-up on the final day of the summer transfer window, successfully offloading several high-profile but underperforming players from their so-called “bomb squad.”
Brazilian winger Antony completed a permanent transfer to Real Betis in a deal worth £21.7 million, while Jadon Sancho joined Aston Villa on loan and Rasmus Højlund signed a temporary deal with Napoli. Heading into Deadline Day, Antony, Højlund, Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia were all training away from the main squad under new manager Rúben Amorim. By the end of the day, only Malacia remained at Old Trafford—though he’s expected to stay only until the January window.
Antony’s departure brought an end to a long summer of speculation surrounding his future. The 23-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Betis, where he registered seven goal contributions in 17 appearances, rekindling interest from the Spanish club. Despite some flashes of potential, Manchester United took a massive £64 million loss on the Brazilian, having paid £86 million to Ajax in 2022—a move that had initially raised eyebrows due to the high fee.
Sancho, who was also reportedly a target for Roma earlier in the window, joined Unai Emery’s Aston Villa as part of their late transfer activity. Meanwhile, Højlund moved to Serie A side Napoli, who had been searching all summer for attacking reinforcements. Though his loan doesn’t include an obligation to buy, Napoli are said to view the 22-year-old Dane as a long-term option if he impresses in Italy.
Manchester United’s Incoming Transfers
On the incoming side, Manchester United remained relatively quiet. Their only senior signing of the day—and their last of the window—was Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who arrived from Royal Antwerp for a fee of £18.2 million, including add-ons. The 21-year-old signed a five-year deal and was chosen over Aston Villa’s Emi Martínez, who had also been considered.
Lammens had been on Manchester United’s radar for weeks, with club scouts particularly impressed by his statistical profile. He led Europe’s top 10 leagues in total saves last season and posted one of the highest “goals prevented” metrics across the continent. Additionally, he completed more progressive passes than any other goalkeeper under the age of 23, marking him as a modern, ball-playing shot-stopper in line with Amorim’s tactical approach.
His arrival comes amid a goalkeeping crisis at Old Trafford. André Onana, signed last season as the long-term replacement for David de Gea, has yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season. He was heavily criticized after a costly error in United’s shock Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town. His understudy, Altay Bayındır, failed to capitalize on his opportunity, struggling in United’s first three league matches.
Veteran Tom Heaton remains in the squad as a backup, but at 39, he’s no longer seen as a viable long-term option. As a result, Lammens’ signing represents both a short-term solution and a long-term investment in a key position.
Manchester United’s current goalkeeping group now consists of four players: Onana, Bayındır, Heaton, and Lammens. However, that number could change in the coming days. With transfer windows in Turkey and Saudi Arabia still open until September 11 and September 10, respectively, the club is open to offers for any of its current goalkeepers. If a suitable bid arrives, particularly for Bayındır or Heaton, United are expected to consider it seriously to balance the squad and wage bill.
Although fans had hoped for more marquee arrivals, especially in midfield or defense, United’s attempt to sign Brighton’s Carlos Baleba earlier in the window fell short after the Seagulls rejected their offer. With no alternative targets lined up in time, the club turned its attention to reinforcing between the posts instead.
Overall, Manchester United’s Deadline Day activity brought long-awaited clarity to several ongoing transfer sagas. The club made significant progress in offloading fringe players and clearing space for future reinforcements. While the moves may not be headline-grabbing for fans hoping for blockbuster signings, they reflect a more strategic, financially conscious approach under the current regime.
With the squad now trimmed and a new goalkeeper in place, Rúben Amorim will look to
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