Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as the long-term replacement for their current number one, Thibaut Courtois. Courtois, who is 32, remains one of the world’s top goalkeepers and helped Real Madrid secure the Champions League title last season after returning from a serious knee injury. The Belgian has continued to show his class this season, with five appearances and three clean sheets for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.Despite Courtois’ excellent form, Real Madrid are preparing for the future. While Courtois has two years left on his contract, Madrid are already thinking about who will take over once his time at the club comes to an end. Current backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin stepped up during Courtois’ absence last season, making 31 appearances. However, it seems the club does not see him as a permanent first-choice option.According to reports from Fichajes, Real Madrid’s search has led them to 22-year-old Verbruggen, who has quickly risen through the ranks at Brighton. Since joining the Premier League club from Anderlecht in 2023, Verbruggen has impressed with his performances, making 29 appearances for Brighton, including two this season. The Dutch goalkeeper’s performances have also earned him the starting role for the Netherlands, where he played every minute of their Euro 2024 campaign, which ended in a semi-final defeat to England.Brighton have Verbruggen under contract until June 2028, but Real Madrid could test their resolve with a bid, as club president Florentino Perez reportedly sees the Dutch stopper as the ideal successor to Courtois. While Courtois is unlikely to leave before his contract expires, Verbruggen could be brought in as early as next summer to serve as an understudy before taking over in the 2026-27 season.Real Madrid’s next transfer window could be a busy one, with potential moves for a center-back and central midfielder to further strengthen their squad. Real Madrid is reportedly eyeing Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as a long-term replacement for their current number one, Thibaut Courtois. Courtois, now 32, has been instrumental for Real Madrid, helping them secure the Champions League title last season after returning from a serious knee injury. Despite his impressive form, including five appearances and three clean sheets this season, Real Madrid is planning for the future. With two years left on his contract, Courtois’ time at the club is expected to wind down, prompting Madrid to look for his successor.
While current backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin filled in capably during Courtois’ absence last season, amassing 31 appearances, Real Madrid does not view him as a permanent first-choice option. Instead, their search has reportedly led them to 22-year-old Bart Verbruggen, who has made a rapid ascent at Brighton since joining from Anderlecht in 2023. Verbruggen has made 29 appearances for Brighton, including two this season, and has also cemented his place as the Netherlands’ starting goalkeeper, playing every minute of their Euro 2024 campaign, which concluded in a semi-final loss to England.
Brighton has Verbruggen under contract until June 2028, but Real Madrid might test their resolve with a bid, given that club president Florentino Perez sees him as an ideal successor to Courtois. While Courtois is expected to remain until his contract ends, Real Madrid could consider bringing in Verbruggen as early as next summer to serve as an understudy before taking over the starting role in the 2026-27 season.
Real Madrid’s next transfer window could be pivotal, as they are also considering moves for a center-back and central midfielder to further bolster their squad.
