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Brighton & Hove Albion sign Manchester United target Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht
Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion have signed Manchester United target Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht, via the Manchester Evening News.
The Seagulls have officially acquired the services of the 20-year-old in the ongoing transfer window. To that end, the youngster has signed a five-year contract at the East Sussex-based club until June 2028.
Ahead of this summer, the Red Devils had been keeping tabs on the Dutch national as a possible option. The Old Trafford side had expressed interest in the shot-stopper. However, that ship has sailed now.
Brighton have confirmed the arrival of Verbruggen to the Premier League. The Amex Stadium side have paid the Belgian outfit €19 million to get a hold of the promising goalkeeper’s signature.
The Dutch national broke into Anderlecht’s starting lineup in the second half of the 2022/23 term. In March, the 20-year-old also received his maiden call-up to the national side by Ronald Koeman.
Brighton enjoyed a fruitful time under Roberto De Zerbi last season, finishing sixth in the league. The Seagulls have Robert Sanchez in their ranks. However, Jason Steele pipped the Spaniard in the pecking order towards the end of the previous campaign.
Welcome to #BHAFC, Bart! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/LQSMtfWHgL
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 3, 2023
As for United, David de Gea has parted ways with the club after his contract expired at the end of last month. However, the Red Devils have still left the door open for the 32-year-old to be part of the squad next season.
As things stand, Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton are the two established options at Erik ten Hag’s disposal. However, the former on-loan Nottingham Forest star could leave the club this summer.
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Verbruggen is a promising prospect. It remains to be seen how the Dutch national will develop at Brighton. Will the Old Trafford side opt to once again pursue his services in the coming future? Only time will tell.
