Manchester United’s search for a new goalkeeper this summer was nothing short of chaotic. At one point, the club reportedly “put €30 million on the table” to land Eintracht Frankfurt’s Brazilian star Kaua Santos. But when the Bundesliga side stood firm, United pivoted late in the window and secured Belgian prospect Senne Lammens instead.
The Red Devils had been tracking Kaua Santos, just 23, for over a year. Talks reignited late in the window, with United pushing hard to bring him to Old Trafford. But Frankfurt made their stance very clear — their No.1 wasn’t going anywhere. Santos, fresh off a knee injury but back to full fitness, also chose to stay put.
With time running out, United switched focus. On deadline day, Senne Lammens arrived from Royal Antwerp in an £18m (€21m/$24.5m) deal, plus another £3m in add-ons. Seen as a long-term project, Lammens offers promise, but insiders admit Santos was much higher on the shortlist.
United’s €30m bid wasn’t close to enough. Frankfurt value Santos at a whopping €60m (£51m/$68m) — more than double what United had on the table. With his contract running until 2030, the Bundesliga side hold all the leverage. Unless United return with serious cash, they may have missed their chance.
United weren’t alone. Wolves and Galatasaray also checked in on Santos during his injury recovery earlier this year. Pictures of his knee were even circulated to reassure clubs he was on track. By mid-August, he was fit again — but missed Frankfurt’s pre-season, fueling speculation that he might move.
United’s keeper chase highlights the ruthless reality of the modern sports market. Prices for top young talent are skyrocketing, and missing out can feel costly. While Lammens may yet prove a bargain, fans will wonder: did United let the next big Brazilian star slip through their fingers?
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