Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen could find himself as a surprise candidate for Bayern Munich as they look to replace Manuel Neuer long-term.
That’s according to SportBILD, who report that the Brighton goalkeeper has ‘already been observed’ ahead of a potential move.
The newspaper reports that Verbruggen is one of several candidates being considered by the German champions as they plan for life without Neuer in future.
According to them he has already been watched in Netherlands recent clash with Germany and his market value, which is believed to be €15m, could make him the cheap option.
The major doubt is whether he is actually good enough at this point, with it explained that the 21-year-old needs to ‘consistently prove his class’ before Bayern would make a move for him.
The need to plan for life without Neuer has become obvious over the last week, with a post on Instagram from the 38-year-old hinting he is considering his life away from football.
His current contract runs out in 2025 and all indications are that he will leave at that point, hence Bayern now moving to line up replacements.
The logical candidate is Alexander Nübel, who has spent the season on loan at VfB Stuttgart and he is trusted to replace Neuer, but the club would prefer for him to continue maturing away before becoming number one.
Thus, other options are being explored and Verbruggen is seen as the cheap one, if he can really establish himself at Brighton and dispel any remaining doubts.
However, that €15m claim looks optimistic from Bayern’s perspective.
