Liverpool have been made aware of Bart Verbruggen’s situation as they continue assessing potential long-term replacements for Alisson Becker, with the Reds stepping up their contingency planning amid growing uncertainty surrounding the Brazilian goalkeeper’s future at Anfield.
As TEAMtalk can reveal, Liverpool have not ruled out a move for the Brighton shot-stopper this summer. The Merseyside club are actively evaluating options, with Verbruggen emerging as one of the standout names under serious consideration.
Juventus confident of landing Alisson
TEAMtalk previously revealed that Juventus have already agreed terms in principle with Alisson on a three-year contract, with an option for a further season. The Serie A giants are increasingly confident of securing his signature.
The proposed deal would take the 33-year-old beyond the final 12 months of his current Liverpool contract. Sources indicate the Reds are increasingly unlikely to match the long-term package being offered by Juventus.
Liverpool’s ownership group, Fenway Sports Group, alongside senior football figures Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, are understood to be cautious about handing extensive new contracts to players entering the latter stages of their careers. Lessons are said to have been learned from the long-term agreements given to Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah last summer. With Alisson turning 34 later this year, there is internal reluctance to repeat that strategy.
Liverpool identify two goalkeeper targets
While Giorgi Mamardashvili remains highly regarded within the club, TEAMtalk understands there are still doubts over whether the Georgian international is fully ready to immediately become Liverpool’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. As it stands, the club’s decision is that Mamardashvili is not quite ready to fill any void Alisson would leave.
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez has already been discussed internally as a possible experienced option. However, Liverpool are prioritising younger profiles with long-term upside.
TEAMtalk can now confirm that Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is among the names Liverpool have done significant work on. The Netherlands international has enhanced his reputation considerably at the Amex Stadium and is now viewed as one of the Premier League’s standout young goalkeepers.
Verbruggen open to summer exit
Sources state Verbruggen is open to leaving Brighton this summer as interest around him continues to intensify. Brighton, meanwhile, are already preparing for that possibility.
TEAMtalk understands the Seagulls see Carl Rushworth as a ready-made successor after his outstanding loan spell with Coventry City during their promotion-winning Championship campaign. Coventry are eager to sign Rushworth permanently and several other clubs are also interested, but Brighton’s intention is for the England youth international to eventually replace Verbruggen as their number one.
However, Rushworth will only commit his long-term future to Brighton if guaranteed a genuine pathway to becoming first-choice goalkeeper.
Tottenham also in the mix
Verbruggen’s growing reputation has attracted major interest across Europe. The 23-year-old had been identified as Bayern Munich’s leading succession option had Manuel Neuer decided to retire this summer. Neuer’s decision to sign a new one-year extension altered Bayern’s immediate plans, although Verbruggen remains admired in Munich. He is even in discussions regarding a potential international switch that could see him represent Germany at the World Cup.
Tottenham Hotspur are also understood to be strong admirers of Verbruggen. Spurs believe the Dutchman’s style would suit Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical demands perfectly, with the Italian coach a huge fan of his composure and distribution.
Despite the growing speculation, the possibility of becoming Liverpool’s long-term number one is naturally viewed as hugely appealing by the player and those close to him.
Liverpool’s clear stance
Liverpool’s stance remains clear internally. The club would only sanction Alisson’s departure if they had complete confidence in their succession plan and a replacement firmly lined up. That process is now accelerating, and Verbruggen is increasingly emerging as one of the standout names under serious consideration at Anfield.
With a major decision on the horizon, Liverpool’s hierarchy must balance short-term stability with long-term planning as they navigate one of the most important squad decisions of the summer transfer window