By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, 1 June 2026 - Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been named the Premier League's Transfer (Signing) of the Season after an outstanding debut campaign that transformed the club's fortunes between the posts.
The award, announced by the Premier League on June 1, recognizes the most impactful signing of the 2025/26 season.
Lammens emerged victorious following a vote involving fans, players, and managers, beating a strong shortlist of contenders that included Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres, Chelsea forward João Pedro, Manchester City's Rayan Cherki, Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, Bournemouth defender Adrien Truffert, and Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper joined Manchester United from Belgian side Royal Antwerp on transfer deadline day last summer for a reported fee of around £18 million plus add-ons. At the time, questions surrounded the club's decision to invest in a relatively unknown goalkeeper rather than pursue more established options. However, Lammens quickly silenced critics and proved to be one of the bargains of the season.
Although he did not make his Premier League debut until Matchweek Seven against Sunderland, Lammens immediately impressed with a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory and never looked back. His calm presence, excellent shot-stopping ability, and commanding performances provided much-needed stability to a Manchester United defense that had struggled in previous campaigns.
According to statistics cited by Manchester United and Sky Sports, Lammens prevented more expected goals than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, posting an impressive +6.39 goals prevented metric. Across 32 league appearances, he recorded 79 saves and eight clean sheets while becoming one of the division's most reliable performers.
His performances played a significant role in Manchester United's remarkable improvement during the campaign. After missing out on Champions League football in previous seasons, United secured a third-place finish and qualification for Europe's elite competition under manager Michael Carrick. Lammens was regularly highlighted alongside captain Bruno Fernandes as one of the team's most influential players.
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The award also marks a major milestone in Lammens' personal development. His impressive displays earned him his first senior international cap for Belgium in November 2025, and he has since established himself as part of the national team setup ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Praise for Lammens has extended beyond the Premier League's official award. Several football journalists and publications had already identified him as their signing of the season, citing the enormous value Manchester United received from a relatively modest transfer fee. Some analysts have even described him as one of the best-value Premier League transfers in recent years.
For Manchester United, the recognition represents validation of a transfer strategy that took a calculated gamble on potential rather than reputation. For Lammens, it is confirmation that he has arrived among the Premier League's elite goalkeepers.
At just 23 years old, the Belgian appears to have a bright future ahead, and if his debut season is any indication, Manchester United may have found their long-term solution in goal for many years to come.