June 6, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens named premier league transfer of the season

A shining debut season in England for Senne Lammens

Senne Lammens, the young Belgian goalkeeper, has capped off an exceptional first season in the Premier League with a prestigious recognition. The 23-year-old shot-stopper, who joined Manchester United last summer from Antwerp for €21 million, was honored as the league’s best transfer of the season.

His rapid adaptation to the demands of English football has been nothing short of remarkable. Since making his first start in October against Sunderland, Lammens has established himself as an undisputed starter for the Red Devils. Over 37 league matches, he conceded just 45 goals and kept eight clean sheets—a performance that has silenced early doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level.

A bright future at Old Trafford

Lammens’ consistency and reliability have made him a cornerstone of Manchester United’s resurgence this season. The club finished third in the Premier League, marking a significant turnaround from recent struggles. His composed presence under pressure and sharp reflexes have drawn praise from both fans and pundits alike.

Among the other nominees for the award were João Pedro (Chelsea), Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds). However, Lammens’ standout season set him apart from the competition.

Tributes from legends and international ambitions

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand recently heaped praise on Lammens, calling him the future of the club. In a podcast appearance, Ferdinand stated, “He has been superb, and he is young. That’s what I love about him—his age means he will only continue to improve. I believe he is destined to stay at Old Trafford for the next decade and will become the number one goalkeeper.”

While Lammens’ primary focus remains on his club commitments, his international future is also a topic of discussion. Though he will play a supporting role to Thibaut Courtois at this summer’s FIFA World Cup, his long-term prospects with the Red Devils appear assured. With his talent and work ethic, the Belgian goalkeeper is poised to become one of the Premier League’s most dominant figures in the years to come.