Liverpool FC unveil new signing Lucca Brughmans at AXA Training Centre on September 02, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool FC unveil new signing Lucca Brughmans at AXA Training Centre on September 02, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Genk manager Jess Thorup has explained how he intends to protect Liverpool’s new goalkeeper, Lucca Brughmans, which will come as a relief to the club.
Liverpool made Brughmans the world’s most expensive goalkeeper under the age of 23 after agreeing a £30 million deal for the 6’7″ teenager.
Brughmans formalised his transfer to Anfield on deadline day, but he will first spend the season back on loan at Genk before reporting to Liverpool next summer.
The 18-year-old has established himself as the Belgian’s side No. 1, and the Reds will know his development is in safe hands after Thorup insisted his mental and physical wellbeing is a top priority.
Lucca Brughmans will be carefully managed at Genk
3E61AJ3 Antwerp, Belgium. 03rd Apr, 2026. Genk's goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans celebrates after winning a soccer match between Royal Antwerp FC and KRC Genk, Friday 03 April 2026 in Antwerp, on the first day of the Europe Play-offs (PO 2) of the 2025-2026 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERTS Credit: Belga News Agency/Alamy Live News
3E61AJ3 Antwerp, Belgium. 03rd Apr, 2026. Genk's goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans celebrates after winning a soccer match between Royal Antwerp FC and KRC Genk, Friday 03 April 2026 in Antwerp, on the first day of the Europe Play-offs (PO 2) of the 2025-2026 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERTS Credit: Belga News Agency/Alamy Live News
Speaking to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, Thorup acknowledged the impact the 18-year-old’s transfer will have on a player who only made his senior debut in April.
“Naturally, I’ve spoken to Lucca about his transfer,” Genk’s head coach started.
“We talked about the experience of going to Liverpool, and the involvement of his family and so on.
“Every player dreams of this, and suddenly – before you fully realise it – you’re right in the middle of it. You need a moment to let something like that sink in.”
Liverpool were intentional in sending Brughmans back to a familiar environment, and it will be reassuring that Genk are making it a priority that he won’t be burned out or overwhelmed before arriving on Merseyside.
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“Of course, there’s a lot coming his way,” Thorup added. “He’s in the spotlight because of the fee involved.
“I’ll protect him at the right moments, because we mustn’t forget that the role of Genk’s first-choice goalkeeper is still quite new to him.
“Steven Frederix (the goalkeeping coach) and I will assess match by match whether we need to give him a rest.
“Even though he’s only 18, I can see that he remains calm and focused.
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
“He’s already been back on the training pitch for a few days. The realisation that his life has changed will probably sink in sometime over the coming weeks.”
Brughmans has already made 15 senior appearances at the age of 18 – including four starts this season – and was identified as a potential successor to Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid.
Liverpool will be certain of getting a confident young goalkeeper when he officially arrives next summer, but in what capacity remains to be seen with Alisson into the final year of his contract.
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