According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Chelsea and Manchester City are keen on signing Bart Verbruggen in the summer transfer window. However, the 22-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper is committed to the Premier League club, forcing the two bigwigs to set their sights elsewhere for a new shot-stopper.
Bart Verbruggen has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League since joining Brighton & Hove Albion from RSC Anderlecht in July 2023. A native of Zwolle, the Dutchman spent his formative years in his homeland, starting his youth career at WDS’19 before graduating from the youth division at NAC Breda.
However, the 22-year-old rose in prominence during his spell with Anderlecht before coming leaps and bounds at Brighton & Hove Albion. Verbruggen has turned out over 50 times thus far for the Seagulls while keeping 15 clean sheets and conceding 79 goals.
The Dutch goalkeeper has also become the first-choice starter between the sticks for his national side, and his exploits for his club and country have piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Chelsea and Manchester City are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window. However, Verbruggen remains committed to Brighton.
Chelsea’s interest in Bart Verbruggen is understandable. The Blues have signed several shot-stoppers in the last few years but are yet to zero in on the ideal long-term solution between the sticks. So, they might dip their toes into the market for another goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, with Verbruggen emerging as a viable target.
As for Manchester City, Ederson Moraes faces an uncertain future at the Etihad amid re-emerging links with Saudi Pro League clubs. So, the Premier League champions must comb the market for a top-class goalkeeper, with the 22-year-old Dutchman being an option worth considering.
However, with Verbruggen committed to Brighton & Hove Albion, the Premier League bigwigs should look elsewhere for a new goalkeeper. It will be interesting to see who Chelsea and Manchester City will turn to in the coming months.
