Player ‘will soon’ join international teammate at Brighton – Close to making step up

Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen ‘will soon’ join international teammate Kjell Scherpen at Brighton & Hove Albion in a move from Anderlecht.

That’s according to journalist Ruben Winkels, who believes the youngster could also soon be set for a step up to the Netherlands senior squad.

Verbruggen has earned himself admirers from around Europe this season after establishing himself as the number one goalkeeper at Anderlecht midway through the campaign.

He’s been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League since, with several sides, including Burnley, who chased him throughout last summer, linked with a move.

It is currently Brighton who are leading the race for his signature, with numerous reports this week making it clear that he’s on the verge of completing a move to the Roberto de Zerbi’s side.

Winkels backs that up with his comments on the player today, before backing him to soon make the step up to the Netherlands senior side after a summer with the U21s.

“Verbruggen has been designated as the first goalkeeper during the EC, even though Kjell Scherpen kept all the qualifying games,” he said.

“They will soon both be under contract at Brighton, but Verbruggen is really in a much better position.

“At Ronald Koeman’s Dutch national team, Justin Bijlow, Andries Noppert and Mark Flekken were simply preferred. Verbruggen is very close behind them at the moment.”