Manchester United opted to sign Senne Lammens as Ruben Amorim’s new goalkeeper despite his lack of experience.
Heading into deadline day, Manchester United faced a choice between Senne Lammens or Emiliano Martinez.
While the Aston Villa shot-stopper represents Premier League experience and the prestige of a World Cup winner, Ineos decided to stick to their long-term data-driven approach and sign Senne Lammens.
United struck an £18m deal for Lammens with Royal Antwerp, and the 23-year-old will now be aiming to become Ruben Amorim’s new number one.
But Lammens arrives as a fairly unknown figure and so he will have to prove himself in the Premier League. Thankfully, he has the approval of compatriot Thibaut Courtois.
Thibaut Courtois gives Senne Lammens verdict
Lammens has only played two seasons of football as a regular starter at Antwerp, so he remains a very raw, but very promising prospect.
Data and stats suggest Lammens is one of Europe’s most exciting goalkeepers, and his Belgian compatriot Courtois agrees.
Rio Ferdinand revealed a message from the Real Madrid goalkeeper after asking about United’s latest signing.
“Thibaut Courtois has given me the heads up on what he’s like. He said he’s a huge talent, obviously not experienced yet, but he thinks his style is well-suited to the Premier League. He’s big as well,” Ferdinand said.
“That recommendation from probably one of the best three goalkeepers in the world, Thibaut Courtois, I’ll take that.”
“I keep seeing people talk about the talent, but the problem is, can Manchester United wait for talent to develop?”
Ineos have rolled the dice on Senne Lammens
Experienced goalkeepers such as Martinez and Gianluigi Donnarumma were available for United to sign this summer, but Ineos went in a different direction.
It’s bold, but it’s risky. Lammens has an extremely high ceiling, but the spotlight of being a United goalkeeper proved too bright for those before him.
Both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir appear to have suffered a crisis in confidence, so Lammens’ character will be tested.
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If Lammens settles in and is able to fulfil his potential, United could have their new goalkeeper for the next decade.
But it is a lot of pressure to pile on a young player. With Manchester City and Chelsea up next, he could have a baptism of fire.
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