Manchester United is reportedly eyeing Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as a potential signing this summer. This news comes as the future of current goalkeeper David de Gea‘s position at the club remains uncertain. Verbruggen, who is only 20 years old, made his debut for Anderlecht at the age of 18, thanks to former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany. The young Dutchman has since played 31 matches for the Belgian club and was recently given his maiden call-up to the Netherlands squad.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has shown a preference for signings developed in the Netherlands, having previously bought Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, as well as Lisandro Martinez and Antony from Ajax. Christian Eriksen also came through the Ajax academy, while loanee Wout Weghorst is a Netherlands international. It seems that Verbruggen could be the next Dutch talent to join the United ranks.
Manchester United eye Anderlecht goalkeeper as David de Gea’s successor?
While De Gea is expected to sign a new contract with the club, it seems that he is not guaranteed his first-choice role next season. Figures at the club are said to be planning to phase him out, and with three goalkeepers technically out of contract in the summer, United has hired a goalkeeper recruitment analyst to help with their search for a new shot-stopper.
De Gea has been with United for 12 seasons, and although he leads the Premier League Golden Glove table for clean sheets with 15, he has also made four errors that have directly led to goals this season, tying him with other Premier League goalkeepers for the most errors. Additionally, he was dropped from the Spain national side last year and has not received a call-up since November 2021. The new Spain coach Luis de la Fuente overlooked De Gea but recalled Kepa Arrizabalaga last month.
Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had previously planned to make Dean Henderson the team’s outright No.1 goalkeeper for the 2021-22 season. However, Henderson contracted COVID-19 three weeks before the campaign began, and Solskjaer ultimately decided to keep De Gea as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Verbruggen would certainly be an exciting addition to the United squad, and his potential signing could signal the start of a new era for the club. As United continues to look for a long-term replacement for De Gea, fans will be watching closely to see if Verbruggen is indeed the man for the job.
Would you like to see Bart Verbruggen at Old Trafford?