Bayern Munich are reportedly set to rival Chelsea for Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Goalkeeping has been a weak area for Enzo Maresca‘s team this season. The Blues’ first-choice keeper, Robert Sanchez has made several notable errors and lost his spot to Filip Jorgensen.
Chelsea’s goalkeeping issues have seen them linked with Verbruggen, who has impressed at the Seagulls this season. The 22-year-old has played a role in helping Brighton push for a top four finish and a lucrative spot in next season’s Champions League, with Fabian Hurzeler’s side four points off fourth.
And The Sunday Mirror reports that Bayern boss Vincent Kompany has also set his sights set on Verbruggen, but it would take a hefty £50million to persuade the Seagulls to part ways with him. Kompany, who is a big fan of the Dutch keeper from their time together at Anderlecht, reportedly attempted to sign Verbruggen during his tenure as Burnley’s manager.
However, Brighton won out with a successful £16.5m bid that offered Premier League playing time. Now, Kompany reportedly views Verbruggen as the potential replacement for 38-year-old Manuel Neuer, whose current contract with Bayern has just over a year remaining.
Whilst staying in English football’s top flight is likely to hold some attraction to Verbruggen, playing for European heavyweights Bayern is also appealing. Whether Maresca can convince the young keeper that his project at Stamford Bridge has more potential remains to be seen.
Chelsea have toiled so far in 2025, having lost three successive matches before Tuesday’s win against Southampton. But Maresca will now be hoping his team can go on a run of wins in their battle for a top four finish.
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