In recent days, it’s become increasingly clear that FC Barcelona are intent on reinforcing their goalkeeping department this summer. They have been heavily linked with a move for Joan Garcia from Espanyol but that move doesn’t look too promising.
Despite it emerging that the Spanish goalkeeper has not yet closed the door on Barcelona, he might not want to cross the Catalan divide. Thus, it would make sense for Deco to look elsewhere and not put all his eggs into one basket.
Verbruggen on the radar
Now, as per journalist Santi Aouna, Barcelona have asked for the deal conditions to potentially sign 22-year-old Dutch shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen from Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. He has been impressive for the Saagulls for a while now.
Verbruggen joined the English club from Anderlecht a couple of seasons ago. Last season, he had to share the number one responsibilities with Jason Steele, but Fabian Hurzeler has made him the number one this time around.
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 20: Bart Verbruggen #1 of the Netherlands kicks the ball in the second half of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Bart Verbruggen is very good with the ball at his feet. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
So far this season, Verbruggen has played 40 games for the Seagulls across all competitions, conceding 60 goals and keeping just 9 clean sheets. However, it is also a testament to the kind of football that the English club play.
What impresses the most about the Dutchman is his composure on the ball. He is very good at finding a pass under pressure and he also excels in one-on-one situations to make himself imposing and making life difficult for the attacker.
Streamlining the roster
Bart Verbruggen compared to Barcelona goalkeepers. (Source: DataMB)
Bart Verbruggen compared to Barcelona goalkeepers. (Source: DataMB)
Verbruggen has already won 20 caps for his national team. To be a goalkeeper for Barcelona, it is important to be as good with your feet as with your hands and this is one reason why the Dutchman fits in perfectly.
With three senior goalkeepers already on the books, Barcelona will first need to streamline their roster before pursuing a new signing. But whether it’s Verbruggen or another target, one thing is certain: reinforcing the goalkeeper position is high on the club’s summer agenda. Who they ultimately land could shape the spine of Hansi Flick’s evolving project.