Brighton Sign Dutch Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen

Dutch international Bart Verbruggen has joined Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion from Anderlecht for a fee of £16.3m.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper has signed a five-year deal with the Seagulls and is seen as a long-term replacement for Robert Sanchez.

Verbruggen is a highly-rated prospect who has represented the Netherlands at youth level. He made his debut for the senior team in June 2022 and was part of the squad that reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is delighted to have signed Verbruggen.

“Bart is a very talented goalkeeper with a bright future,” said De Zerbi. “He is a good shot-stopper and has excellent distribution. I am confident that he will be a valuable addition to our squad.”

Verbruggen is expected to challenge Sanchez for the number one spot at Brighton. The Spaniard has been in good form this season, but De Zerbi is keen to have competition for places in his squad.

Verbruggen is Brighton’s second signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of midfielder Moises Caicedo from Independiente del Valle.