Manchester United’s Deadline Day signing Senne Lammens has explained why he rejected Aston Villa to complete his dream move to Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper arrived from Royal Antwerp as United’s final summer signing, despite Villa reportedly offering Antwerp a more lucrative deal than United’s £18.1 million ($24.3m) package.
Villa had targeted Lammens as part of a potential reshuffle with Emiliano Martínez, who was linked with a move away.
But for Lammens, the decision was simple: childhood dreams over bigger money.
“This is my dream move,” he told club media. “When I was five, United were at the height of football, winning the Champions League and Premier League. It stuck with me. So when I heard they were interested, it felt like a childhood dream coming true.”
The goalkeeper admitted he wants to help restore United to their former glory, competing for league titles and playing in the Champions League.
“I want to grow with the team and take United back to the heights it once reached. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the Premier League is the biggest competition,” he added.
Lammens also revealed that his conversations with ex-Premier League stars at Antwerp, including Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Janssen, Dennis Praet, Denis Odoi, Jaïro Riedewald and Björn Engels, reinforced the aura of Manchester United.
“When I talked to them about Manchester United, you could see their faces change instantly. The aura is massive, and being here now, you feel the difference. That was a big part of why I chose United,” he said.
