Newcastle United eyeing £30m ‘outstanding’ young talent but set to battle Arsenal for his signature.
One thing is clear about Newcastle United—they have a strong obsession with goalkeepers.
Newcastle United currently have five goalkeepers registered in their squad, though the real battle for the starting spot is between Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka.
Last summer, the club was linked with top goalkeeping talents such as James Trafford, Filipe Jorgensen, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
However, despite tracking those high-profile targets, Newcastle ended up adding John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos, who joined Mark Gillespie primarily as training squad members.
With Ruddy and Gillespie’s contracts set to expire this summer, both are expected to leave. Vlachodimos is also likely to depart, having contributed little under Eddie Howe.
As a result, Newcastle may need to bring in more than one young goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer window.
There are still strong indications that Newcastle will complete the signing of Burnley and England shot-stopper James Trafford.
However, with three potential departures, he may not be the only goalkeeper arriving at St. James’ Park this summer.
According to The Sunday Mirror, Newcastle are among several clubs—including Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and West Ham—monitoring Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens, who is valued at £30 million.
Lammens is regarded as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in world football.
The 22-year-old, formerly of Club Brugge, has played fewer than 50 professional matches but has already attracted interest from Premier League clubs.
Manchester United and Championship side Leeds United, pushing for promotion, have also been linked with the Belgian.
Despite his potential, it remains uncertain whether any club would be willing to meet Antwerp’s £30 million valuation.
However, a lower bid could tempt the Belgian club, making Lammens one to watch in the upcoming transfer window.
