Senne Lammens Breaks Silence on Choosing Man Utd Over Premier League Giants
Senne Lammens has disclosed that becoming a Manchester United player was a childhood aspiration, which clarifies why the goalkeeper allegedly rejected an alternative transfer to Aston Villa.
Lammens represented United's last signing during the summer transfer period, moving from Royal Antwerp on the final day. However, there had previously been some doubt regarding where the 23-year-old would land, with his destiny linked to that of Villa's Emiliano Martínez.
Ultimately, United chose Lammens, despite Yashin Trophy winner and current Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper Martínez reportedly wanting to join the Red Devils. Villa were also pursuing Lammens since Martínez desired a departure, and the Daily Mail has now disclosed that they had secured a more profitable agreement with Antwerp than United's original £18.1 million ($24.3 million) offer.
However, Lammens was solely focused on Old Trafford, clarifying his reasoning in his debut interview with club media.
"This represents my dream transfer," he stated. "When I was five [in 2007], United was at football's pinnacle and you retain in your memory how enormous Manchester United is, so, when I learned they were interested, it felt like a childhood fantasy.
"I recall being young, Manchester United claiming the Champions League and securing the league title. [I aim] to assist the team reach a standard where you can challenge for trophies again and participate in Champions League once more. That's also one of my primary objectives, that I want to develop with the squad and ascend to the peaks that formerly defined Manchester United. It's among the world's largest clubs and the Premier League represents the globe's premier competition."
In Belgium, Lammens competed alongside numerous former Premier League stars, including Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Janssen, Dennis Praet, Denis Odoi, Jaïro Riedewald and Björn Engels.
"When I discussed Manchester United with them, you could immediately notice their expression transform. The institution itself, the club's presence, it's enormous, and being present, witnessing it, it's another dimension," he commented.
"Therefore, that was also a significant factor in why I selected Manchester United."