Brighton sign Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion have signed goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Belgian giants Anderlecht for around £17 million.

The Holland under-21 international has signed a five-year contract until 2028.

The 20-year-old joins the Seagulls as their fourth signing this summer. They have already secured Mahmoud Dahoud, James Milner and Joao Pedro ahead of next season.

Verbruggen recorded eight clean sheets in 17 Belgian Pro League games this season as they finished 11th. He kept two in six Europa Conference League appearances.

He won the Player of the Season award for Anderlecht following his impressive performances.

The shot-stopper started his career at NAC Breda in the Netherlands before moving to Belgium for €300,000 in 2020.

His shot-stopping abilities are excellent, while his ball-playing ability stands out.

It will be an asset for Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi who likes his team playing out from the back.

Verbruggen will provide competition for Jason Steele between the sticks next season. However, the transfer raises questions about Robert Sanchez’s future.

There have been rumours linking the Spaniard with a move away from the Amex Stadium. Those rumours will only intensify following the arrival of a new keeper.

De Zerbi said (via Brighton’s official website): “I am very pleased to have signed Bart.

“He is used to playing a type of football similar to ours, and he will have no problem fitting into our group.

“He has the potential to become a very important player for the club in the coming years.”

Brighton will likely return to the transfer market as they search for a replacement for Alexis Mac Allister, who left the club for Liverpool this summer.

They will also need a replacement if they let Moises Caicedo leave.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have shown interest in the Ecuadorian midfielder. Brighton will demand over £80 million for his services.