Chelsea are “ready to launch” an offer for Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, according to reports.
TEAMtalk claim that co-sporting director, Paul Winstanley and Head Goalkeeping Coach Ben Roberts are big fans of the Netherlands international, having worked on his transfer to the Amex before their departure in 2022.
Verbruggen could be available for around £50m, and it appears the Blues are lining up a bid.
Supporters on X are not particularly enthusiastic about a move for Verbruggen, with many questioning why another Brighton player is being targeted:
So, Brighton is essentially a feeder club for us now then yeah? We’ve already signed Sanchez, Cucurella and Caicedo from there in the last few years and now want to sign ANOTHER of their goalkeepers? Wild.
— 🇮🇪Ryan 🇮🇪 (@RyanW_CFC) February 12, 2026
No chance this is true.
— Zack Scheetz (@calax12) February 12, 2026
Must we always do business with Brighton? If we must I believe Van Hecke should be the player we are looking at.
— A. Samson (@Viewbysamson) February 12, 2026
Signing him for what exactly?🙄
— Devante Buke (@BukeDevant66693) February 12, 2026
This would make absolutely no sense.
We already have Sanchez and Penders, why would we entertain another GK?
— Ryan Lamont (@ryanlamont8) February 12, 2026
No thanks lol
— Andrew Murphy (@Skerfy) February 12, 2026
Why..what about Sanchez who probably been 2nd best keeper in the PL this season and Penders at Strasbourg…Don't keep falling for their ridiculous PR spin 🙄
— Me (@wisepoyet) February 12, 2026
theyll spend 50M on bart simpson but wouldn't put 20M for Maignan…
— Pedro Neves (@PedroNeves31626) February 12, 2026
Verbruggen does have other suitors
It is believed that Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the Dutchman, along with Tottenham and Newcastle.
Bayern are looking at potential long-term replacements for Manuel Neuer, and the Bundesliga giants have reportedly been tracking Verbruggen since last summer, but it looks like Chelsea have now entered the fray as well.
For his part, the keeper is said to be open to leaving Brighton, but he isn’t going to force a move.
Chelsea could use that £50m to strengthen other positions
While supporters have called for a new goalkeeper to be signed in the past, the recent form of Robert Sanchez and the promise shown by Mike Penders (who is currently on loan at Strasbourg) has made a purchase less pressing.
A top centre-back and a striker would be deemed more important additions, and many would question the logic of splashing out £50m on Verbruggen for that reason.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here