Brighton sign Netherlands U21 goalkeeper Verbruggen

Five-year deal for 21-year-old stopper

Verbruggen joins from Anderlecht for £16.3m

Premier League club Brighton Hove Albion have completed the signing of Netherlands Under-21 goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht for a fee of £16.3m.

The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Seagulls and becomes their second summer signing following the arrival of Deniz Undav from Union Saint-Gilloise.

Verbruggen is a highly-rated goalkeeper who has been capped at all levels for the Netherlands youth teams. He made his debut for Anderlecht's first team in 2020 and has since gone on to make over 50 appearances for the club.

Brighton manager Graham Potter is delighted to have signed Verbruggen and believes he has the potential to become a top goalkeeper.

"Bart is a very talented goalkeeper who has a lot of potential," said Potter. "He is a good shot-stopper and has good distribution. I am looking forward to working with him and helping him develop his game."

Verbruggen is excited to join Brighton and is looking forward to playing in the Premier League.

"I am very happy to have joined Brighton," said Verbruggen. "The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and I am looking forward to playing against some of the best players in the world."

Verbruggen is expected to compete with Robert Sanchez for the number one spot at Brighton.