Manchester United's signing of Lammens revealed with an extremely low weekly wage! Current goalkeepers likely to remain, Onana 100% staying

The 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, expected to join Manchester United, was excluded from Royal Antwerp’s squad for the Sunday match against Mechelen. Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano verified that this decision is directly linked to the transfer, intended to prevent any injury jeopardizing the move.

"Lammens missed Antwerp's squad because talks with Manchester United have progressed significantly," Romano stated. "The Belgian goalkeeper has already reached a personal agreement with Manchester United, and the two clubs are close to finalizing the transfer fee negotiations. The deal is quite advanced and was confirmed last Friday."

Lammens was spotted in the stands at Antwerp’s match, and his transfer fee to Manchester United is estimated to be around £20 million, including a £17 million fixed fee plus £3 million in add-ons. His salary will be very modest, especially compared to current Manchester United players.

Lammens earns £800,000 annually at Antwerp and will see a slight increase after joining Manchester United, but his wage will still be below that of Kobe Meno, under £20,000 per week. This would make him one of the lowest earners at the Red Devils, as the team’s original third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton earns over £40,000 weekly. Heaton signed a new one-year contract in June and is regarded as part of the leadership group in the dressing room. Among the first team, only young player Chidozie Obi may have a similar salary, with a weekly wage of £15,000.

It is understood that Manchester United have been monitoring Lammens for nearly 18 months. Lammens left Club Brugge for Antwerp in 2023, impressing with his calm and composed saves. His performances in domestic and European competitions have earned him recognition as one of Europe’s top young goalkeepers.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs revealed that Manchester United expect all current goalkeepers to remain at the club during the summer transfer window, including André Onana and Altay Bayındır. They are expected to stay at least until January next year, partly because the Africa Cup of Nations takes place at the end of this year and early next year, with Onana representing Cameroon and potentially missing matches for two to four weeks.

Jacobs said: "Even with Lammens arriving, Bayındır might stay at Old Trafford at least until January next year. Part of the reason is that Onana will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon, causing him to miss matches during the holiday period."

Another reason is the limited time left in the summer window, making it difficult for Manchester United’s transfer department to find suitable new clubs for the current goalkeepers, especially 29-year-old Onana, who was signed for €50 million and earns a weekly wage between £120,000 and £150,000, yet has attracted almost no interest.

The Manchester Evening News reported that Onana insists on staying at Manchester United even if the club signs a new goalkeeper. Sources clearly state that Onana is "100% staying." However, Manchester United want the new goalkeeper to increase competition for Onana. Lammens was called up to the Belgian national team earlier this year but has not yet played. He fits this requirement. Two years ago, Manchester United considered signing Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht, who is the same age as Lammens.

On Sunday, after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham, Ruben Amorim was tight-lipped when asked about the goalkeeper situation. He replied: "I focus on the current goalkeepers, like other coaches, I pay attention to training intensity, preseason, and match performances, and try to decide who is the most suitable goalkeeper for matches. I will continue to do so."