On Monday, La Dernière Heure reported Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is ‘getting closer’ to joining Brighton & Hove Albion.
Later that day, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri stated the Netherlands U21 international has agreed a five-year deal with the Seagulls and the deal to take him to The Amex would be made official after the U21 European championship.
Jong Oranje will face Belgium U21 on Wednesday and ahead of this clash, Het Belang van Limburg have published an interview with the 20-year-old. It was no surprise to see he was asked about the recent reports linking him to Brighton and also Burnley.
Responding to that, Verbruggen didn’t hesitate to express his desire to play in England, and also insisted that his focus is on the European championship.
“I have always said that it is my dream to play football in England. Just the fact that I’m mentioned there is something to be proud of. But we are in Hotel Oud London in Zeist and my focus is here,” he said.
“I have very capable people who work for me. They know what they are doing and ask me the right questions when needed. But I am only concerned with the things that I myself influence. And at the moment that is the European championship with the Juniors.”
HBVL state the possibility of Verbruggen staying at Anderlecht next season is ‘non-existent’. They further add it ‘will become clear in the coming days’ whether Brighton or another club will be the Dutchman’s next destination.
If latest claims from Belgium are to be believed, the stopper is all set to join Roberto De Zerbi’s side in this window.
