Senne Lammens's Agent Drops Bombshell About Andre Onana Transfer Deal
The representative of Manchester United keeper Senne Lammens has stated that the Red Devils had no plans to substitute their previous goalkeeper André Onana during the summer transfer period.
Onana struggled through two challenging campaigns following his £47.2 million ($63.7 million) move to United in 2023 and ultimately transferred to Turkish club Trabzonspor on a season-long loan deal in September, just 10 days after Lammens arrived on Deadline Day for an initial fee of £18.2 million.
Although there was considerable doubt surrounding Onana's prospects at Old Trafford, United only pursued Lammens during the transfer window's closing week. The Belgian's representative, Mark Volders, has now revealed that this timing occurred because United's choice to separate from Onana happened equally late in the summer period.
"Those critical voices ... the major issue was that they anticipated a very prominent name, such as [Gianluigi] Donnarumma or [Emiliano] Martínez," Volders shared with HBVL.
"However, in reality, for an extended period, United's plan was for Onana to remain and for Senne to receive time to settle in. Eventually, they altered their approach at the final moment, Onana departed, and they completely supported Senne. Looking back, you can only conclude that United made the correct decision."
'Poor Form Would Have Killed Lammens'
Lammens has begun his Old Trafford journey without fanfare, which is certainly not negative. Onana frequently became the focus of attention due to expensive errors, while United's new goalkeeper has provided reliable performances between the posts.
Having achieved only two clean sheets across 12 matches, Lammens obviously has areas for development, and Volders emphasized that the 23-year-old will continue improving over time.
"You must recognize the enormous leap he has made," Lammens's representative added. "People always suggest an intermediate move is essential, but when you transfer from Antwerp to United, you've bypassed that stage, correct?
"Beyond all his other attributes, Senne's power comes from his calmness in every circumstance. This was evident during his first appearance against Sunderland, which was remarkably fortunate timing. There was tremendous pressure, significant negativity around the goalkeeper situation, that it needed to be outstanding or they would destroy you. Simply put. However, he delivered a solid performance, achieved a clean sheet, and built from there."
Lammens understood the expectations that joining United would create and, according to Volders, was always eager to accept that challenge despite having the opportunity to complete a less prominent transfer to Aston Villa.
"At the final stage, Villa was a possibility, indeed," Volders clarified. "And certainly an excellent one.
"However, Senne has consistently been clear about his choice. 'If you can arrange it, I want to join United.' And in the end, they're also contending for European qualification."
Onana Hints at Permanent Man Utd Exit
United's separation from Onana remains, at present, only provisional. The Cameroon goalkeeper secured a one-year loan arrangement with Trabzonspor and the agreement lacks a clause for a future permanent move.
Nonetheless, United are anticipated to support discussions regarding a permanent exit for Onana when he returns next summer, at which point he will retain two years on his existing deal. Onana, meanwhile, seems interested in staying with Trabzonspor beyond his current loan terms.
"I'm extremely content, believe me," he commented recently. "I'm experiencing the finest phase of my career. I have no complaints, I'm delighted to be in this place.
"The period I've enjoyed here has been ideal for me. I'm pleased to be here. It represents a different way of life, but it's wonderful. Genuinely remarkable, fantastic."