Chelsea FAIL in pursuit of Brighton star as fans face huge headache

Tom Weber

Updated: 5 May 2025 20:21 BST
4 min read

Chelsea will not sign Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen this summer, according to a report.

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The Blues have had a goalkeeper problem basically ever since Thibaut Courtois joined Real Madrid. Several shot-stoppers have come and gone, including world-record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga, but Chelsea still have not found a reliable No.1.

Current ETV

Bart Verbruggen

Brighton

Bart Verbruggen

Brighton

ETV Range

€27.6M - €33.7M

Last season, Djordje Petrovic replaced Robert Sanchez and mostly did a fine job, but he lost his place in the team when Enzo Maresca was appointed as head coach and was eventually shipped out on loan to Ligue 1 affiliate Strasbourg.

Maresca reinstated Sanchez, but he, too, was forced to drop him after a string of mistakes. Summer signing Filip Jorgensen was given a brief chance, only for the Italian to bring Sanchez back again, much to the annoyance of Chelsea supporters.

Heading into the summer, Chelsea have been linked with a host of goalkeepers, but the initial plan has always been to stick with the current options. Petrovic will be given a second chance by Maresca, while youngster Mike Penders will arrive from Genk to also compete for the No.1 shirt.

Chelsea won't sign Verbruggen

One of the names that has been heavily linked with the Blues in recent months is Bart Verbruggen, who is known to have big-name admirers around Europe.

However, according to GIVEMESPORT, Brighton are growing in confidence that they will be able to keep hold of the Netherlands international this summer.

Verbruggen is under contract until 2028 and is settled on the South Coast. The Dutchman is happy with Brighton's direction of travel under young head coach Fabian Hurzeler and is content with his current situation.

With the 22-year-old also out of the picture, it is further confirmation that Chelsea will likely not add another shot-stopper to their squad this summer, potentially setting up more headaches for supporters next season and beyond.

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