In another potential raid on Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea are considering a swoop for Dutch international Bart Verbruggen. As per reports, manager Liam Rosenior views the 23-year-old goalkeeper as the ideal successor to current Chelsea custodian Robert Sanchez, who was also acquired from the Seagulls.
Since his arrival from Anderlecht in July 2023, Verbruggen has made a notable impression at Brighton, clocking up 83 Premier League appearances. Initially sharing goalkeeping duties with Jason Steele under Roberto De Zerbi, he cemented his position as Brighton’s first choice following the appointment of manager Fabian Hurzeler. Though his start was marred by a struggle to maintain clean sheets, Verbruggen has since improved, recording 21 shutouts in 93 top-flight matches, including five in the ongoing 2025/26 season. His burgeoning reputation is further underlined by his current status as the Netherlands’ first-choice goalkeeper under Ronald Koeman.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Verbruggen comes as Manchester United’s interest wanes. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, now a Football Insider correspondent, revealed Chelsea’s intent, stating: “Chelsea are definitely keeping an eye on Verbruggen. I know Man United have looked at him before as well, but that seems to have faded and I think they’re happy with the options they’ve got. Chelsea, on the other hand, I don’t think they’re happy with Sanchez. He’s not that sort of calming, consistent presence you want at the back to control things.”
Highlighting Verbruggen’s credentials, Brown added: “Verbruggen is a good goalkeeper. He’s composed in possession and he’s a good shot-stopper, so he’ll tick a lot of boxes for Chelsea in that respect. I can see that happening in the summer, definitely. It’s another Brighton player going to Chelsea – they seem to have a good relationship there, which always helps.”
Verbruggen’s superior shot-stopping capabilities are also reflected in Premier League rankings – he scores 70.1 compared to Sanchez’s 62.1, rendering Sanchez the sixth-worst goalkeeper out of 24 in the division.
Should Chelsea successfully lure Verbruggen to Stamford Bridge, he would become the fifth Brighton player signed under Todd Boehly’s ownership. This follows the acquisitions of Joao Pedro for £55 million, Facundo Buonanotte on loan, and the 2023 purchases of Moises Caicedo and Sanchez. Additionally, Chelsea previously secured Marc Cucurella for £62 million in 2022 and paid substantial compensation for Brighton’s coaching staff led by ex-head coach Graham Potter.
Valued initially at around £15 million by Brighton, Verbruggen would likely demand a fee four times that figure if Chelsea make their move.