Bart Verbruggen breaks silence on Manchester United transfer rumours

Milan Keskin

• 22 Mar 2023 12:28 GMT
• 2 min read

Bart Verbruggen made his debut on Tuesday afternoon on the training field with the Netherlands international team and has outlined his plans for the future, having been linked with a stunning transfer to Manchester United.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper is currently experiencing his breakthrough at Anderlecht in the Jupiler Pro League and is already in the Netherlands squad after only 25 matches at the highest level.

According to various insiders - including former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen - Verbruggen has everything it takes to reach a world-class status in the long term.

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It is not surprising, then, that Liverpool and Manchester United, among others, have their eyes on the young Zwolle native.

Yet Verbruggen has played down the interest: "I don't read that much, but sometimes you get a message forwarded."

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Verbruggen a keeper with a bright future

Due to the absence of the injured Justin Bijlow and Andries Noppert, Verbruggen has a chance to make his international debut against France on Friday.

Meanwhile, he has insisted that he did not join the Dutch national team simply to gain experience. “I am not here on a school trip,” he said.

“Ronald Koeman has told me that I have to look around carefully,” the young goalkeeper told De Telegraaf.

Verbruggen is currently fighting for a place under the crossbar with Oranje, together with Jasper Cillessen and Mark Fleks.

The statements of Netherlands boss Koeman clearly show that Verbruggen is not currently the first choice to start against France.

Data from FootballTransfers confirms that picture. The Anderlecht goalkeeper has a Skill of 56.2 and, therefore, seems likely to have to wait his turn for the time being. Both Cillessen (61.3) and Fleks (67.6) are clearly ahead of him.

Does Verbruggen have what it takes to play for the Netherlands? Eventually, yes. The goalkeeper has a Potential of no less than 70.8 and can indeed be of great value in this Dutch national team.