Latest news with #Verbruggen
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barcelona make enquiry for Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen
According to a report from Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, FC Barcelona have made an enquiry for Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen (22). The Catalan side have asked for the conditions of a potential deal with the Sussex club. The 22-year-old Netherlands national team goalkeeper are reportedly looking for a long-term successor to Marc-Andre ter Stegen – who tore his ACL earlier this season. Verbruggen is high on the list for the goalkeeper position along with Joan García from Espanyol, reports Aouna. Verbruggen the Seagulls from Anderlecht in July 2023 and has established himself as Brighton's first-choice keeper after rotating with Jason Steele under current Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi in the 2023-2024 season. Last season the Dutchman was an undisputed starter under Fabian Hurzeler, making 36 Premier League appearances this season. He is currently under contract with the Albion until 2028, but has missed out on the latest Netherlands squad after he was reportedly 'struggling with physical complaints and needed time for the recovery process.' GFFN | George Boxall
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barcelona lodge enquiry for €25 million-rated Premier League goalkeeper
Barcelona have started preparing for life after Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and two young names are now firmly on their radar – Bart Verbruggen of Brighton and Joan Garcia of Espanyol. In fact, according to a recent report by journalist Santi Aouna, the Catalan club has already asked about Verbruggen's availability, and he is currently one of the top names on their shortlist, along with Garcia. Advertisement After more than a decade of loyal service, doubts are beginning to grow around Ter Stegen's long-term future at Barcelona. While he remains the number one for now, the club understands that a smooth transition needs to be planned early. This has led to serious internal discussions about signing a goalkeeper who can either challenge him soon or take over completely in the coming years. Garcia seen as affordable and readily available Among the options, Garcia stands out not only for his talent but also because of his price. Still with Espanyol, he has a release clause of €25 million, and since he was not called up for national team duty, the clause remains active. Barcelona also have Joan Garcia on their radar. (Photo by) Barcelona believe this is a golden opportunity in the current market. The club also know that signing Garcia for the 2025/26 season might not be realistic if both Ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny are still in the squad. Advertisement Because of this, one option being explored is to sign him now and send him on loan for one more season, ensuring that he continues to develop while Barça secure his services early. What about Verbruggen? Meanwhile, Verbruggen is attracting attention after a fantastic season at Brighton. The 22-year-old Dutch goalkeeper has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League. Barcelona have already made contact to understand his situation, although no official offer has been made yet. With both Garcia and Verbruggen in the frame, Barcelona are clearly planning ahead. Whether it is an affordable La Liga talent or a Premier League rising star, the club is actively working to secure their goalkeeping future. *Player valuation in title obtained from on date of publication.
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Real Madrid eye Premier League duo as Thibaut Courtois succession plan emerges
Thibaut Courtois has been a key man for Real Madrid for a number of years but the Spanish giants have turned their attentions to English football for a long-term replacement Real Madrid are turning their attention to the Premier League as they look to identify a successor to Thibaut Courtois, it has been claimed. The Belgian international has been a key figure in Los Blancos' recent Champions League successes, but is now 33 and those at the club are believed to be considering a younger model. The 2024 Champions League winners are expected to confirm Xabi Alonso as their new manager imminently following the Spaniard's Bayer Leverkusen exit, but they haven't slowed down on their transfer push. Trent Alexander-Arnold is on his way from Liverpool, and a new centre-back is also expected to join, with a new keeper completing the set. According to The Sun, David Raya and Bart Verbruggen are the two Premier League men being considered, though neither would be easy to land. Raya is unlikely to be allowed to leave Arsenal without a fight, while Madrid's reported plan for Brighton star Verbruggen might not suit the Dutch international. The same publication indicates the Spanish club want to initially bring in Verbruggen as a backup to Courtois before later elevating to first choice. With Verbruggen currently the established first choice under Fabian Hurzeler, though, he may prefer to stay put - especially with 2026 being a World Cup year. Andriy Lunin has been the back-up to Courtois of late, playing six of his team's seven Champions League knockout games last season with his colleague out injured but losing his spot for the final. The Ukraine international could be made available for transfer this summer, having played just 60 first-team matches since joining the club in 2018. Verbruggen helped Brighton claim a valuable 2-0 win at Wolves on Saturday to keep alive their hopes of European qualification. Hurzeler's team sit ninth - behind Brentford on goal difference only - and eighth place will be enough for Conference League qualification unless Crystal Palace beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final. "Very happy that the players showed this performance. They stuck to the plan and defended quite well," manager Hurzeler told Match of the Day. "Second half, we defended quite well. In possession we could do it better, but I was happy to use the chance to score the second goal." Alonso's other reported targets include Jonathan Tah, who could follow him in moving from Leverkusen. Former Real Madrid midfielder Alonso hasn't been confirmed as the new boss at the Bernabeu, but his decision to leave the BayArena is now official. "This week the club and I have agreed that these two games will be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach," Alonso said on Friday. "We have been talking during this week that is always about the moment and now is the right moment to announce it. "We have always had a good and direct communication and now that we have clarity, it is the right moment to say that for sure. It is a moment with mixed emotions but it is the moment to announce it." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Real Madrid to raid Premier League again as they eye shock deals for Arsenal's David Raya and Brighton's Bart Verbruggen
BRIGHTON keeper Bart Verbruggen is a shock target for Real Madrid. But he would have to start on their bench. 3 3 The Dutch 22-year-old is fancied by the Spanish giants as they look for a long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois. They could be selling Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin, 26, who has been happy to cover for Courtoi s over the last five years. And Real are now ready to ask the big question and find out if Verbruggen fancies the move. The idea is that he would have the chance of becoming their first choice down the line. The Seagulls are aware of the interest and hope for a decision in the summer transfer window. Should Verbruggen leave, they would have to find a top-class replacement for him. Brighton have already been tracking Liverpool No 2 Caoimhin Kelleher, 26, and Burnley's 22-year-old James Trafford for some time. after a long fight. And, therefore, he may be reluctant to give it up for the reserve job behind Courtois, 32, in Madrid. However, all parties need to make the call on a potential move for the Holland international to let the clubs go about their business. Antonio Rudiger sent off for throwing ICE PACK at referee in Copa del Rey final as Real Madrid bench restrain fuming ace Real have also considered Arsenal's Spanish keeper David Raya, 29, for the long-term role. But that deal would be even harder to pull off than Verbruggen. 3
New York Times
07-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Bart Verbruggen: ‘Important Brighton reach Europe to show just how good we are'
In the cramped away dressing room at St James' Park, Bart Verbruggen used his height to push back into place a ceiling tile which had been knocked loose during celebrations with his Brighton & Hove Albion team-mates. They were euphoric at beating Newcastle 2-1 after extra time in the fifth round of the FA Cup at the beginning of March. The mood shifted to disappointment in Sunday's 1-1 draw between the teams at the Amex Stadium, as an 89th-minute penalty by Alexander Isak deprived Brighton of two points in their quest to qualify for Europe. Even so, there was another example that there is no ceiling to the potential of Verbruggen. In the 96th minute, the Dutchman flung his 6ft 3in (191cm) frame skywards to tip over a shot from Newcastle substitute Callum Wilson. That agile save could prove crucial in Brighton's bid to end the season two places higher in eighth position, which would probably secure a spot in the Europa Conference League. 'I think the fact that you don't have to do a lot as a goalie shows that you play for a good team, and to be able to help the team when the team needs you can be challenging if you don't get a lot of work,' Verbruggen told The Athletic afterwards. 'But at the end of the day, that's what you're there for and it's my job to stay focused and stay concentrated and be there when the team needs me so I'm happy I was able to do that.' Verbruggen's comments undersold an assured performance that also included a fingertip save to deflect an angled drive by Harvey Barnes in the early stages of a contest in which his side were on the defensive for periods in both halves. Back in October, Verbruggen was outstanding in a 1-0 win at Newcastle in the Premier League and again the following month in a 2-1 victory at Bournemouth. The good has sometimes been overshadowed by the bad in the 22-year-old's first season as Brighton's undisputed No 1. Verbruggen bundled Cole Palmer's cross into his own net in an eventual 2-1 victory over Chelsea at home in February's FA Cup fourth-round tie. An absolute nightmare from Bart Verbruggen in goal 😐 Cole Palmer puts it towards goal but the keeper spills it in! @ChelseaFC | @EmiratesFACup — ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 8, 2025 A sprinkling of errors included errant passes pounced on by the opposition in defeats at Fulham in December (2-1) and Nottingham Forest in February (7-0), although comfort in possession was evident in a long-range assist for Kaoru Mitoma's goal of the season contender in a 3-0 home league win over Chelsea within a fortnight of the Forest debacle. Data evidence highlights Verbruggen's mixed bag. As the table shows, in terms of shot-stopping, Verbruggen is 24th among the 25 Premier League goalkeepers who have played at least 900 minutes. Overall, including penalties, he has faced 137 shots on target and saved 83, giving him a save rate of 60 per cent. On the plus side, Verbruggen is active in coming outside of his box to sweep up (see map below). His 1.4 interventions per 90, based on a minimum of 10 matches played, ranks him ninth. Distribution-wise, his long pass completion percentage of 40 per cent is the eighth-best in the division. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler felt the need to urge support for Verbruggen from his critics in the fanbase during his press conference before the 3-2 home win over West Ham United last month. Verbruggen performed well in that game, stretching to deflect a header by Tomas Soucek onto the bar in the first half. And in the previous home game, a 2-2 draw against Leicester City, another fingertip save onto the far post stopped Bilal El Khannouss from curling in a late winner. All of which prompted vigorous defence by Hurzeler of Verbruggen during his press conference between the West Ham and Newcastle fixtures. 'So, besides all the criticism he has received in the past, I think that we also have to emphasise the big saves,' Hurzeler said. 'I think the life of a goalkeeper is not always easy because if you make one mistake, it normally results in a goal. 'This is his first full Premier League season. He played last season, but it was two games in, two games out. It's not easy to get into a rhythm. Now he's playing every game and it's also changed for him. We see a great person, we see a great goalkeeper with the potential to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. 'That's what we really try to get out of him. You need to go through a phase like this. You need to stay exactly in these moments, be very stable. You need to show personality. And that's what I demand from him and that's what he's also able to do. And that's why I think that he will come out of this phase very strong and will be a big, big goalkeeper for us.' Hurzeler has nailed his colours to the mast, abandoning the goalkeeping rotation policy of his predecessor Roberto De Zerbi last season, one which saw Verbruggen share the workload with Jason Steele in his first year after a £16.3million move from Anderlecht. Verbruggen made 27 appearances in all competitions, the now 34-year-old Steele had 23 games. They played a leg each — Verbruggen at home, Steele away — in the 4-1 aggregate defeat by Roma in the Europa League last-16. 'I think every player wants rhythm, every player wants to feel the trust,' Verbruggen told The Athletic following the Newcastle draw. 'I also felt the trust of Roberto, but when you play every game, of course it's what every player wants, so I'm really happy and again I'm really grateful for the trust that the manager puts in me and my team-mates put in me. I'm just trying to pay him back.' Hurzeler's faith is shared at international level by Ronald Koeman. The Netherlands manager named Verbruggen as his first choice over Brentford's Mark Flekken before last summer's European Championship in Germany. Verbruggen went on to shine, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to play at the tournament for 60 years against Poland in the group stages on the way to a 2-1 semi-final defeat by England. Verbruggen said on Sunday: 'First of all, it's a dream to come through, to be the No 1 of Holland. Every time I step in the dressing room and I see my name with No 1 it's a big, big privilege, something I hope to enjoy a lot more years. Of course, it's a dream and from there, you want to help your country win big things and we got pretty close this summer. We're going to try and do it again in the next one.' The aim for Verbruggen is to head to the World Cup in 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico after representing Brighton in Europe for the second time in three seasons.
