Real Madrid are keeping a close watch on Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as part of their longer-term planning for life after Thibaut Courtois, according to Fichajes. The situation is described as one of ongoing monitoring rather than any immediate move, but Verbruggen’s name is firmly in the conversation as the Spanish giants assess future options between the posts.
The 24-year-old has a contract at Brighton until 30 June 2028, which gives the Premier League club a strong position and ensures that any serious approach would be shaped by both timing and price. At this stage, there is no suggestion of an active negotiation, and that feels consistent with Real Madrid’s wider goalkeeping picture.
Bart Verbruggen impresses in Premier League spotlight
Interest is said to have intensified again after Brighton’s win at Manchester City on 31 October, when Verbruggen produced a standout display at the Etihad. He preserved Brighton’s lead and turned away a number of dangerous chances, delivering the type of high-pressure performance that naturally attracts attention from Europe’s elite recruitment departments.
His start to the 2026-27 Premier League season has only strengthened that profile. Nine league starts, six clean sheets and a save percentage close to 79 per cent point to a goalkeeper growing in authority and consistency. For a club like Real Madrid, those metrics matter, and so does the context in which they are being produced.
Verbruggen has been on an upward trajectory for some time. Since joining Brighton from Anderlecht in July 2023 on a five-year deal, he has developed steadily. After sharing responsibilities in his first campaign, he established himself during 2024-25, when he featured in 36 Premier League matches. His rise has carried onto the international stage too, where he has become the regular goalkeeper for the Netherlands.
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Real Madrid goalkeeper plan remains patient
There is no urgency at the Bernabeu. Courtois remains the…
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