Man Utd 'put €30m on the table' to sign Brazilian goalkeeper Kaua Santos in summer before landing Senne Lammens amid chaotic goalkeeper hunt

United’s goalkeeping hunt finally ended on deadline day with the capture of Lammens from Royal Antwerp. The 23-year-old signed a five-year deal worth £18m (€21m/$24.5m) up front, with an additional £3m (€4m/$5m) in potential add-ons. While Lammens is seen as a long-term investment, BILDhas revealed that Santos was near the very top of their shortlist. Villa star Emiliano Martinez was also considered, but the club decided to pivot towards youth and eventually settled on the Belgian.

Frankfurt will not even consider parting ways with Santos for less than €60m (£51m/$68m). That’s more than double what United were prepared to pay in August. For a club still balancing its transfer budget after a summer spree, United may find it hard to justify such a figure in the short term. Moreover, his current deal runs until 2030, giving Frankfurt total control over his future.

In April, Santos was struck down with a nasty knee injury that sidelined him for almost four months. Throughout his recovery, clubs across Europe kept tabs, with United, Wolves, and Galatasaray all checking in on his progress. Pictures of his knee were even circulated to reassure interested suitors, such was the attention on him. By mid-August, he had regained full fitness, though he missed Frankfurt’s entire pre-season programme.

Santos’ reputation in Germany is skyrocketing. Already being hyped as the next big thing between the posts for Brazil, he’s expected to follow the path blazed by Premier League greats Alisson Becker and Ederson. The Frankfurt ace has shown agility, composure, and commanding presence far beyond his years. And now fully fit again, he will line up against Borussia Monchengladbach this weekend in the Bundesliga.