3EX17N0 Genk, Belgium. 29th June, 2026. Genk's goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans pictured during a training session of Belgian first division soccer team KRC Genk, on Monday 29 June 2026 in Genk, in preparation of the upcoming 2026-2027 Belgian first division soccer season. BELGA PHOTO JOHAN EYCKENS Credit: Belga News Agency/Alamy Live News
3EX17N0 Genk, Belgium. 29th June, 2026. Genk's goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans pictured during a training session of Belgian first division soccer team KRC Genk, on Monday 29 June 2026 in Genk, in preparation of the upcoming 2026-2027 Belgian first division soccer season. BELGA PHOTO JOHAN EYCKENS Credit: Belga News Agency/Alamy Live News
Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Belgian side Genk as they target the signing of teenage goalkeeper Luccha Brughmans.
On Sunday, rumours emerged regarding Nottingham Forest making a move for Reds stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili late in the transfer window.
This Is Anfield understands Liverpool are aware of an enquiry from Forest over Mamardashvili’s availability, but it would take a significant offer for them to consider a sale.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Liverpool have “targeted” Brughmans as a potential replacement for Mamardashvili.
?? EXCL – Liverpool FC has targeted Lucca Brughmans to replace Giorgi Mamardashvili!
??? Also on FC Bayern Munich's radar, the Reds are convinced by the future potential of the 2.00m-tall Belgian goalkeeper.
?? Talks underway. #transfermarket #JPL #LFC pic.twitter.com/EPvLUHue18
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 30, 2026
He states that the Reds are “convinced by the future potential” of the 18-year-old, with Bayern Munich also in the mix to sign him.
The information is corroborated by Fabrizio Romano, who added that “official club to club contact with Genk” has been made.
Liverpool are “assessing” whether to sign Brughmans now if Mamardashvili goes to Forest, or next summer instead, but he says it’s a case of “deal on” between the two clubs.
Who is Liverpool transfer target Lucca Brughmans?
Brughmans isn’t exactly a household name yet, but he is a highly-rated young player who could have a big future ahead of him.
Standing at a towering 6’7″, the Genk goalkeeper has been capped by Belgium across five different youth teams.
Brughmans has won a combined 25 caps from the U15s up to the U19s, and will no doubt see himself as part of the senior setup eventually, assuming his career trajectory continues.
He also has 15 appearances to his name for Genk, keeping six clean sheets in that time, so he would be joining Liverpool with some first-team experience.
Still, selling Mamardashvili this late in the window would feel like a big risk, especially if an 18-year-old is coming in as a direct replacement.
Alisson‘s injuries have been problematic over the past few seasons, and relying on Brughmans and Freddie Woodman to fill in in his absence wouldn’t be ideal.
The Brazilian is out of contract at Anfield next year, at which point his legendary stint could come to an end.
Brughmans is clearly a ‘keeper with an ever-growing reputation, highlighted by Liverpool and Bayern’s interest, but it may make more sense to bring him in next summer instead, at which point Mamardashvili could depart.
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