Liverpool identify Verbruggen as long-term Alisson successor with formal interest begun

Liverpool have identified Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as a primary target to succeed Alisson between the sticks, with the club having begun formal moves to explore a deal, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

Alisson, 34, is out of contract at the end of the current season, and his standing at Anfield has been complicated further by a number of high-profile errors this campaign and his admission that he missed Liverpool matches last season to prepare for the Brazil World Cup squad. TEAMtalk describe Verbruggen as a “credible candidate who could provide stability and quality” in the No.1 role at Anfield.

Verbruggen has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, keeping seven clean sheets in ten appearances as Brighton sit second in the table, four points clear of Liverpool themselves. The 24-year-old Dutchman is valued at €40 million by Transfermarkt.

Liverpool are not alone in their admiration. Real Madrid are also monitoring Verbruggen as they plan for life beyond Thibaut Courtois, adding a significant layer of competition to any potential pursuit.

For now, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is said to be unwilling to entertain offers in the January window, and Verbruggen himself has been careful to keep focus on the present. “I don’t know what will happen in the future: no one knows,” the goalkeeper said recently. “All I know is that, at the moment, I’m very happy in Brighton.”

Liverpool had already attempted to future-proof the goalkeeping position when they signed Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili in 2025, but the 26-year-old has not yet established the same commanding presence as Alisson. The club will also welcome 18-year-old Lucca Brughmans from Belgian side Genk next summer in a deal that could rise to £30 million, though that move is viewed as a longer-term investment rather than an immediate first-choice solution.

Alisson himself was a record-breaking signing when he joined from Roma under Jurgen Klopp following Loris Karius’ two errors in the 2018 Champions League final, going on to be regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in Premier League history. Finding a successor of comparable quality represents one of the most consequential decisions Arne Slot’s backroom staff will face heading into the summer transfer window.