Barcelona is experiencing a challenging time with their goalkeeping situation following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s unexpected injury during yesterday’s match against Villarreal in the sixth round of the Spanish League. Despite a decisive 5-0 victory, Ter Stegen’s injury has dampened the team’s spirits, as it has been confirmed that his season is over.
Reports from El Nacional highlight young Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as a potential target. At just 22, Verbruggen has emerged as a standout player in the English Premier League with Brighton, showcasing impressive skills in penalty area control and aerial play, earning comparisons to top goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Hansi Flick has endorsed pursuing Verbruggen, believing he possesses the necessary qualities to thrive at Barcelona, such as quick reflexes and composure under pressure. Meanwhile, sporting director Deco is actively working to finalize the deal before competition from other clubs intensifies. However, Barcelona faces obstacles, as Verbruggen is contracted with Brighton until 2028, giving the English club leverage in negotiations.
The deal is anticipated to be around €40 million, significantly more than the €20 million Brighton spent on him last summer. Nevertheless, Barcelona believes this investment will be justified in securing a top-quality goalkeeper for the future. Hansi Flick has emphasized the urgency of signing a goalkeeper following Ter Stegen’s injury, adding pressure on Deco and the club’s board to ensure they can land Verbruggen.
