Neuer’s successor? Verbruggen responds to Bayern rumours | OneFootball

The goalkeeper question at FC Bayern remains current—even though the record champions are initially relying on an internal solution. Bart Verbruggen, Dutch national goalkeeper and coach Vincent Kompany’s preferred candidate, has now commented on the rumors for the first time.

The 23-year-old is under contract with Brighton & Hove Albion until 2028, but is considered one of the most interesting young keepers in Europe. In an interview with SoccerNews.nl, Verbruggen explained: “It’s always a compliment to be linked with such big clubs, but I haven’t really thought much about it. My agent keeps me out of it. If something becomes very concrete and decisions need to be made, I’ll find out.”

This leaves open whether the Dutchman could imagine a move to Munich—however, there was no clear denial.

Kompany knows Verbruggen very well

Photo: IMAGO

The personnel matter of Vincent Kompany adds extra spice. The Bayern coach knows Verbruggen from their time together at Anderlecht and later tried to bring him to Burnley as well. According to information from the Mirror, Kompany sees him as a potential successor to Manuel Neuer, whose contract with the record champions runs until 2026.

However, a transfer would be expensive: Brighton is likely to only be willing to negotiate at a transfer fee in the region of 60 million euros. For a goalkeeper of this age group, that would be a sum at the top end of the European market.

Currently, Bayern are relying on an internal solution. With Jonas Urbig, a 22-year-old prospect is ready, who is to be gradually introduced to the role behind Neuer in the coming season. Whether he has what it takes to become the regular goalkeeper in the medium term remains to be seen.

Looking to the future

The current season will show how Bayern will fill the goalkeeper position in the coming years. If Neuer stays fit, he will initially retain his starting spot. But by 2026 at the latest, the record champions will have to make a decision.

With his Premier League experience and Kompany’s backing, Verbruggen brings all the prerequisites to become a serious candidate. However, whether Munich are actually willing to spend a high multi-million sum on a goalkeeper remains questionable.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.