Liverpool signed Lucca Brughmans in the summer and then loaned him back to Genk, where he kept a clean sheet this weekend, with head coach Jess Thorup promising to look after him
Lucca Brughmans of Genk will join Liverpool in the future
Lucca Brughmans of Genk will join Liverpool in the future(Image: BRUNO FAHY/BELGA/AFP via Getty Images)
Lucca Brughmans played his first game for Genk after signing for Liverpool on Sunday, keeping a clean sheet against Anderlecht.
The 18-year-old is back in Belgium on loan for the season after sealing a transfer that could be worth up to $41 million (£30 million), including various performance-related add-ons, with the initial fee understood to be nominal.
Brughmans was also of interest to lots of clubs around Europe, including Real Madrid and others. He is one of a number of young talents that Liverpool has signed lately in its bid to bolster its youth ranks, with the Reds currently undergoing an aggressive recruitment drive led by global talent team chief Matt Newberry.
In recent times, the Reds have brought in the likes of Mor Talla Ndiaye, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Colombian forward Samuel Martinez. They also signed another young goalkeeper, Hungarian Armin Pecsi, last year.
"Naturally, I’ve spoken to Lucca about his transfer," Genk head coach Jess Thorup said before the game.
"We talked about the experience of going to Liverpool, and the involvement of his family and so on.
Brughmans has signed for Liverpool
Brughmans has signed for Liverpool(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
"Every player dreams of this, and suddenly — before you fully realize it — you’re right in the middle of it. You need a moment to let something like that sink in.
"Of course, there’s a lot coming his way. 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.
Content Image
Content Image
"He’s already been back on the training pitch for a few days. The realization that his life has changed will probably sink in sometime over the coming weeks."
Brughmans has already made 16 senior appearances for Genk despite being a teenager. The latest was his fifth start this season, where he made four saves and earned a 7.6/10.0 rating from Fotmob.
Liverpool.com says: Brughmans looks like a real talent. With Alisson Becker only under contract until the end of the season, it makes sense to be looking to the future, where the Reds look well set between the sticks.