Overmars on Lammens Deal: “We’re Not Brighton or Brentford” in Man Utd Talks

Royal Antwerp director of football Marc Overmars has shed light on the dramatic late deal that saw goalkeeper Senne Lammens join Manchester United this summer. Speaking to Gazet van Antwerpen, Overmars revealed that the €21m transfer was wrapped up in just a few hours after telling United he would not engage in the kind of drawn-out talks often associated with Premier League clubs such as Brighton and Brentford.

“When Manchester United wanted Senne Lammens, we said: ‘Listen, we’re not Brighton or Brentford, with whom you have to negotiate for weeks. With us, things have to move quickly,’” Overmars explained.

Lammens, 23, had long been linked with a move away from Belgium after impressing with Antwerp, but the manner of his transfer caught many by surprise. According to Overmars, the goalkeeper was initially lined up to join Aston Villa.

“With Manchester United, we started as losers on deadline day. We had a deal with Aston Villa, but Martínez still had to leave, and Senne didn’t want to go there,” he said. “Only then did Man United make their first offer. Lower than Aston Villa. Four hours later, we finally reached an agreement.”

The deal represented a significant shift in strategy for United, who had spent much of the summer in protracted talks for other signings, most notably Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Overmars made it clear Antwerp would not play that game.

Manchester United turned to Lammens after Andre Onana’s unexpected departure to Trabzonspor in Türkiye late in the window. With little time to secure a replacement, United pushed through the move quickly once negotiations began in earnest.

The Belgian keeper, highly rated for his reflexes and command of the penalty area, is now seen as an important long-term piece in United’s squad rebuild.

FootballPlace analyst John William believes the signing was a calculated risk:

“United had little choice once Onana left, but moving for Lammens shows forward planning. At 23, he’s young for a goalkeeper but has the attributes to succeed at Old Trafford. Overmars’ comments underline Antwerp’s efficiency, but also highlight how United often get drawn into lengthy talks elsewhere.”

For Lammens, the challenge is to quickly adapt to Premier League football and prove he can handle the pressure of replacing a high-profile predecessor. Early indications suggest he will be eased into action, but his long-term potential is why United moved decisively.

For United, the deal highlights a need to be more proactive earlier in windows. Overmars’ remarks will resonate as another reminder that not every club operates with drawn-out negotiations — something the Old Trafford hierarchy may reflect on when planning future transfers.

👉 Did Manchester United get a bargain in Senne Lammens, or was their late scramble a sign of poor planning?