Bart Verbruggen is nearing a £17 million transfer to Premier League opponent Brighton and Hove Albion, so Burnley may turn to the Royal Antwerp star.
History seems to be repeating itself when Anderlecht’s 20-year-old Player of the Year was passed up by Burnley over a year ago due to work permit issues, which prevented Burnley from hosting Vincent Kompany and his former RCSA starlet at Turf Moor.
A few weeks ago, the Clarets had their enhanced £12 million bid for Bart Verbruggen rejected.
Fabrizio Romano predicts Brighton will beat Burnley to the post. Roberto de Zerbi’s team is closing in on a ‘amazing’ goalkeeper whose superb distribution and high technical abilities make him ideal for this sophisticated Seagulls team.
“Brighton will pay a 20 million euro fee for goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen,” tweets Romano. Despite Burnley’s efforts, a deal “was already almost completed last week and (should be) sealed this week.”
Bart Verbruggen leaves Burnley for Brighton.
However, no one could accuse the champions of the Championship of savoring their success. According to The Sun, Jean Butez has been planned as a replacement. The Jupiler League championship was won by Butez’s Royal Antwerp team over Verbruggen’s Anderlecht last season, with Toby Alderweireld’s very own “Aguero moment” sealing the club’s first domestic trophy since 1957 in May.
Last season, Butez maintained an incredible 27 clean sheets across all competitions.
The manager of KAA Gent, an Antwerp Jupiler division rival, Hein Vanhaezebrouch, claims that Butez is by far the finest goalkeeper in the Belgian division.
“He is our fields’ most proactive keeper. He consistently anticipates correctly and does things that others don’t.
Meanwhile, the individual acknowledged in May that he would think about making a new beginning. As Butez approaches his 29th birthday, this might be his last opportunity to sign with a major league team.
“I’m not going to deny it; my ambition is to take a step higher and there are opportunities to make a transfer,” he says to RTBF. “As I approach my 27th birthday, a transfer might be the best option.
But even if I stay, I’ll consider this summer a success because I could be able to play in the Champions League with Antwerp the following year.
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The 28-year-old star has spoken out about his ‘excellent relationship’ with Burnley manager Vincent Kompany amid rumors that he could join the Premier League’s newest team.
Burnley is anxious to prevent history from repeating itself this time after missing out on a move for the Anderlecht goalkeeper over a year ago when a £5 million deal for Bart Verbruggen fell through late in the window.
The Daily Mail reports that Anderlecht rejected Turf Moor’s last approach, which was in the neighborhood of £13 million. The giants of Belgium are seeking more like £17 million. An asking price that Burnley apparently would agree to; Kompany’s purchasing power increased by Premier League advancement.
Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri claimed a few days ago that Verbruggen had turned down moves to Liverpool and Manchester United, presumably due to his determination to play regular first-team football.
That, plus his relationship with former Anderlecht boss Kompany, could give Burnley the advantage they need in pursuit of one of Europe’s most promising shot-stoppers.
Is Bart Verbruggen finally joining Burnley?
“100 per cent, it’s always been a dream to play in the Premier League,” Verbruggen tells Voetbal Nieuws. “To be linked at all with the clubs that play there is an honour. I’m happy about that. That means you’re doing things right.
“I have very nice agents, who do all the work with a view to transfers. If something nice comes along, I would always listen. Of course I’m open to that. But Anderlecht is also very nice.”
An ‘exceptional’ talent who’s ball-playing ability lends itself well to Kompany’s proactive style; Verbruggen was given his senior debut by the now-Burnley boss back in 2021.
“I certainly have a good relationship with Kompany,” the 20-year-old adds. “We worked well together. I have learned a lot from him. I am very grateful to him for that.
“He has done a fantastic job at Burnley, I really like that for him. I rate him very highly as a coach. I hope for him that he will achieve even more successes.”
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