SHARE

Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has admitted he had the chance to join Burnley this summer but does not regret the move falling through.

The youngster was one of several Belgian players targeted by Vincent Kompany, with him keen to take advantage of his knowledge of the country after managing Anderlecht.

Reports across the summer made it clear that bids had been lodged for Verbruggen, with it first explained that there was a ‘real chance’ he would end up at Turf Moor.

That was followed by claims that Burnley were fighting hard for his signature, with Kompany and his team considering him a great talent worth paying for.

Ultimately a deal did not happen as Anderlecht would not sanction it, preferring to keep the player and develop him at their club rather than sell him to Burnley.

They’re yet to hand Verbruggen any minutes in the Jupiler Pro League this season, but it seems that the 20-year-old doesn’t have many regrets.

“Look, of course I would prefer to play more matches with the A-team,” he told Het Niuewsblad.

“But there are still genius goalkeepers here and Hendrik Van Crombrugge has already proven so much. That’s why I also like playing with the RSCA Futures in 1B.

“Those are pretty good matches with good football. Fun. Am I not complaining that my transfer to Burnley last summer finally fell through?

“No, I’m not moaning about that. Burnley was an opportunity, but Anderlecht is also a nice club with a good coach.”