Who is Bart Verbruggen? Man Utd's potential David de Gea successor

Stuart Telford

• 18 Mar 2023 12:04 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United and Liverpool have both sent scouts to watch Bart Verbruggen, who has now earned a maiden call-up to the Netherlands squad.

Verbruggen is currently the No.1 goalkeeper across the Dutch border with Belgian giants Anderlecht, whom he joined from NAC Breda for just €300,000 in the summer of 2020.

He has now blossomed into one of the best shot-stoppers in the Jupiler Pro League, with the highest save percentage in the division this season (77%).

READ: Bart Verbruggen's FootballTransfers' profile

United are looking for a long-term replacement for David de Gea, and while first choice Diogo Costa has a €75 million release clause at Porto, Verbruggen would cost significantly less.

What position does Verbruggen play in?

Verbruggen is a 6'4" goalkeeper who as well as being a fine shot-stopper is also adept at getting involved in build-up play - something that will no doubt appeal to Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag.

How good is Verbruggen?

Verbruggen has kept five clean sheets in 12 Pro League games this season despite Anderlecht only being ninth in the table, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by Ronald Koeman, who has called him up for the Netherlands' upcoming games against France and Gibraltar.

READ: Why Diogo Costa is the perfect successor to David de Gea

What clubs are interested in Verbruggen?

United will face competition for Verburggen's signature from Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp reportedly keen to give Alisson Becker more competition at Anfield with Caoimhin Kelleher considering leaving the club at the end of the season.

When does Verbruggen's contract expire?

Verbruggen's current contract with Anderlecht runs until 30 June 2025.

How old is Verbruggen?

Born on 18 August 2002, Verbruggen is still just 20 at the time of writing.

What is Verbruggen's Instagram?

Verbruggen's Instagram can be found under the handle @bartverbruggen1. He has 12.9k followers as of March 2023.