‘Exceptional’ Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has opened the door for Burnley to renew their interest while telling Voetbal International that a Premier League switch would be a ‘dream’.
You’d never have guessed that Verbruggen was only a few weeks into his role as a starter at Anderlecht.
There was not even a hint of immaturity as the Dutchman’s heroic performance secured a place in the last-16 of the UEFA Conference League at Ludogorets’ expense last week, showcasing another string on his bow by saving all three of the opposition penalty kicks during a lopsided shoot-out.
Verbruggen has been a revelation since replacing the far-more-experienced Hendrick van Crombrugge as Anderlecht’s number one just after Christmas. As such, talk of a potential reunion with Vincent Kompany – who handed him his debut Lotto Park – are refusing to go away.
Burnley saw a £5 million deal for the 20-year-old Dutchman collapse last summer; problems with Verbruggen’s work permit the final straw. It remains to be seen if the Clarets plan to renew their interest.
But, presuming they are, Verbruggen might find such an opportunity – Burnley all-but certain to be a Premier League club in 2023/23 – too good to turn down.
Will Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen still end up at Burnley?
“(It is) a compliment that Kompany wanted to sign me,” Verbruggen smiles. “Playing in England is a dream. And I could have learned a lot from him and Jelle ten Rouwelaar (Burnley’s goalkeeper coach).
“But, at Anderlecht, I have nothing to complain about.”
The 6ft 4ins Verbruggen, who moved to Belgium from NAC Breda in 2020, could offer serious competition for Aro Muric at Turf Moor, particularly with Will Norris and Bailey Peacock-Farrell unlikely to be part of Kompany’s long-term plans.
“If he performs well there and continues to show himself at Anderlecht, then the Oranje (Dutch national team) is a logical next step. But then he must first develop for a few more years. Preferably, at Anderlecht,” Lotto Park coach Frank Boeckx tells Sporza.
“Bart has an incredible work ethic; wanting to get better, his meticulous match preparation and his will to understand the opponent. For someone his age, that’s special.
“Bart is already very mature at the age of 20. How he succeeded Van Crombrugge – captain and a big name – without blinking, shows his mental strength.
“His footballing qualities are also exceptional,” Boeckx adds, highlighting the technical ability htat will appeal to Kompany, a disciple at the temple of Pep Guardiola.
“The way he sees and executes passes, both short and long. His athleticism is also very good. He has all the qualities of a modern goalkeeper.”
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