Aheed Abrar
Brighton & Hove Albion closing in on Anderlecht shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen amidst Manchester United interest
Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion are closing in on a deal for Anderlecht star Bart Verbruggen amidst interest from Manchester United, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.
The Seagulls are advancing and are in the final stages of their bid to acquire the shot-stopper’s services in the ongoing transfer window. Recently promoted Burnley also have the Holland national on their radar as a top target.
As things stand, the Red Devils have only been in contact to gather information regarding the 20-year-old. The Old Trafford side have not made a formal approach for the promising goalkeeper so far.
Understand Brighton are advancing to the final stages of deal to sign talented goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. 🚨🔵🇧🇪 #BHAFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 14, 2023
Burnley, trying until the end as they want him as priority target but Brighton now closer. Man Utd called to be informed on conditions but no bid. pic.twitter.com/ydErhuf98S
Anderlecht signed Verbruggen from NAC Breda in the summer of 2020. Over the years, the youngster has mostly been a bit-part player for the Belgian outfit. However, in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, the shot-stopper cemented his place in between the sticks at the Lotto Park side.
United have relied on David de Gea as the number one for some time now. The Spaniard moved to Manchester in the summer of 2011 from Atletico Madrid.
Last season, Erik ten Hag trusted the 32-year-old as his first choice. The veteran goalkeeper pulled off some impressive saves but also came under the spotlight for a number of errors.
The Dutch manager seemingly wants to play the ball out from the back, something De Gea does not look comfortable doing. However, the gaffer had Tom Heaton and Jack Butland as his backups.
With all due respect, the two English nationals are not up to the Old Trafford side’s standards. Therefore, the former Atletico shot-stopper was the former Ajax head coach’s best bet in the starting lineup.
More Manchester United News
- Anthony Martial to take part in pre-season with Manchester United future in doubt
- High cost pulls Manchester United out of transfer chase for Harry Kane
- Barcelona interested in Manchester United target Guido Rodriguez
Thus, we could evidently do with more quality in our goalkeeping ranks. Verbruggen is a young talent with lots of potential and looks like a decent number two to have in the squad. But will the Red Devils be able to overtake Brighton in the race for the 20-year-old? Only time will tell.
