Real Madrid identify PL goalkeeper as the potential long-term replacement for Thibaut Courtois - Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly in search of a young goalkeeper to replace 32-year-old Thibaut Courtois. As per Fichajes, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen is the primary name on Los Blancos' shortlist, with the club looking to invest early in the 22-year-old.
Verbruggen notably delivered impressive performances for the Netherlands in the Euros and is currently Ronald Koeman’s first-choice goalkeeper. He also made a strong impact during his debut season (2023-24) in England, where he made 27 appearances, while earning praise for both his shot-stopping skills and his ability with the ball at his feet.
According to Fichajes, Verbruggen’s performances for Brighton and the Netherlands have attracted the attention of Real Madrid. Although his contract with the Seagulls runs until 2028, any offer from the Spanish giants would likely tempt the young goalkeeper to leave England.
Andriy Lunin, who stepped in for Courtois last season, has been rumored to be considering a move away from Los Blancos. Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed the Belgian remains the undisputed number one for Real Madrid this campaign.
Lunin's contract with the Spanish side is set to expire next summer and he could depart as a free agent. The Ukrainian's departure could open the door for Verbruggen joining Real Madrid, initially serving as a backup to Courtois before potentially stepping into the starting role in the future.
Thibaut Courtois praises Carlo Ancelotti’s impact at Real Madrid
Since his arrival at Real Madrid in 2018, Courtois has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, while winning numerous individual and collective honors.
Much of his success has come under Carlo Ancelotti, for whom Courtois has great admiration. Before the start of the season, the Belgian goalkeeper mentioned that Ancelotti allows players the freedom to make decisions on the pitch, which has contributed to their consistent performances.
"Above all, he is a great man, a great character and a great coach. He strikes the right balance between giving us freedom and telling us the tactics he wants. He doesn’t just talk about tactics, he gives a lot of freedom to our players, like Vinicius, Rodrygo and Modric. You need their natural genius. You can’t box them in with too many tactics. You need their genius to come out," Courtois said (via GOAL)
Additionally, the former Chelsea goalkeeper expressed his delight about working with the Italian tactician. He believes that Ancelotti is one of the greatest coaches of all time.
"He manages the dressing room very well and also the training sessions. We work a lot, but we also laugh a lot. We have a great time. We work hard but we get rewarded for it. And I love it. So I really think he is one of the best coaches of all time,” he added
After the international break, Courtois’ Real Madrid will next face Real Sociedad before playing their opening Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu.