The sports management of FC Barcelona, beyond the fact that it seems to be totally focused on the renewal of several of the first team's pillars, is also awaiting different transactions that could be addressed in the upcoming summer transfer market, in which it has been commented that the Azulgrana club will launch to reinforce several positions. One of them, apparently, is the goal.
Given the probable departure of Iñaki Peña from the club and the uncertainty surrounding the renewal of Wojciech Szczęsny, the team from the Ciudad Condal is evaluating market options. The one that has gained the most weight in recent hours is that of Joan García, a 24-year-old goalkeeper currently playing for RCD Espanyol, with whom it was rumored that Barça would have an agreement in principle. However, for the moment there is nothing official, so the future of the goalkeeper from Sallent de Llobregat remains totally up in the air.
Barcelona does not lose sight of Bart Verbruggen
Meanwhile, Barcelona, despite apparently having the Catalan as a priority, does not consider him the only option to reinforce the goal. In fact, as recently reported on the website 'Footmercato', the Catalan club has contacted Brighton & Hove Albion to find out the situation of goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The young Dutch goalkeeper, just 22 years old and with a contract with the 'Seagulls' until June 30, 2028, had already been linked to the Barcelona team in the past, although that did not have major significance. However, the native of Zwolle has been gaining prominence to position himself as one of the most striking young goalkeepers on the international sports scene.
The Dutchman had a consecratory 2024/25 season with Brighton and the Netherlands
For Verbruggen, the 2024/25 season has been practically consecratory, becoming the absolute starter for Brighton, a team with which he has played a total of 40 games this season, conceding 60 goals and keeping a clean sheet in nine of them. In turn, he has established himself as the starting goalkeeper in the Dutch national team, playing five of the six matches in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League and the quarter-final tie against Spain.
Analysis of Bart Verbruggen's playing style: The new Ter Stegen?
In terms of profile, Verbruggen is often compared to Marc-André ter Stegen and Manuel Neuer, as the Dutchman is a goalkeeper who handles the game with the ball at his feet in great form, with a great capacity to start plays from the back line thanks to his precision in passing and his vision of the game. In addition, under the three posts, he stands out for his reflexes, agility and precision in one-on-one situations, also adding a good capacity in aerial play, supported by his 1.94 m height.
Will Barça make an offensive for Verbruggen?
At this point, it only remains to be seen if Barça would be willing to launch an offensive for a player whose market value is around 25 million euros, according to Transfermarkt. Although it is foreseeable that Brighton, accustomed to selling its players very well, will demand a much higher amount, taking into account that Bart is also of interest to other stellar European clubs, such as Manchester United.