Real Madrid Tracking Brighton Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as Long-Term Courtois Successor

Real Madrid are keeping a close watch on Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as part of their long-term planning for life after Thibaut Courtois, according to Fichajes. The 24-year-old has impressed with nine league starts and six clean sheets this season, prompting interest from the Spanish giants.

  • Player: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)
  • Interested club: Real Madrid
  • Contract: Until 30 June 2028
  • Estimated market value: Around €40 million
  • Status: Monitoring, no active negotiation

Deal details

Real Madrid are monitoring Verbruggen but have not opened negotiations with Brighton. The Spanish club view him as a long-term option to succeed Thibaut Courtois, whose current contract runs to 2027 with talks over a further year, until 30 June 2028, understood to be at an advanced stage. No official asking price has been set by Brighton, who hold a strong position due to Verbruggen's contract until 30 June 2028. His market value is estimated at around €40 million based on external estimates.

The numbers

  • 9 Premier League starts in 2026-27
  • 6 clean sheets
  • 79% save percentage
  • 36 Premier League appearances in 2024-25
  • €40m estimated market value
  • 2028 contract expiry (30 June)

Why Real Madrid are monitoring Verbruggen

Bart Verbruggen has emerged as one of the most highly rated young goalkeepers in Europe after a series of impressive performances for Brighton. His standout display in Brighton's win at Manchester City on 31 October caught the attention of Europe's elite, and his consistent form this season has only strengthened his profile. For Real Madrid, he fits the profile of a goalkeeper who could be revisited later, especially with his contract situation and age making him an attractive proposition.

The Spanish giants are also considering other names, including Gregor Kobel and Gianluigi Donnarumma, but their approach appears deliberately broad and measured. With Courtois still the undisputed No 1 at 34, Real Madrid have time on their side to assess their options. Andriy Lunin's presence offers depth but does not close the door on external recruitment if the club decide a different profile is needed.

Talking points

  • Should Brighton consider selling Verbruggen if a €40m+ bid arrives, or hold firm given his long contract?
  • Is Verbruggen ready to succeed Courtois at Real Madrid, or would a move to a top club come too soon?
  • How does Andriy Lunin's contract until 2030 affect Real Madrid's pursuit of a new goalkeeper?
  • Does Verbruggen's rise highlight Brighton's excellent recruitment model, and can they keep him long-term?

What happens next

Brighton will continue their Premier League campaign, with Verbruggen expected to remain their first-choice goalkeeper. Real Madrid will monitor his progress as they plan for the future, but any move is unlikely to materialise before the summer of 2028, when his contract expires. However, if he maintains his current form, interest from other top clubs could intensify.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bart Verbruggen leaving Brighton for Real Madrid?

There is no active negotiation between Real Madrid and Brighton. Real Madrid are monitoring Verbruggen as part of their long-term planning, but no bid has been made.

How long is Bart Verbruggen's contract at Brighton?

Verbruggen signed a five-year deal when he joined from Anderlecht in July 2023, keeping him at Brighton until 30 June 2028.

How much is Bart Verbruggen worth?

His market value is estimated at around €40 million based on external estimates, although Brighton have not set an official asking price.

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