Bart Verbruggen responds to Bayern Munich transfer rumours as Brighton goalkeeper taking it 'step by step'

Brighton goalkeeper Verbruggen has addressed growing speculation and reports linking him with Bayern as a potential long-term successor to veteran Manuel Neuer. The 23-year-old Dutch international has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest goalkeeping talents and was recently quizzed about Bayern’s reported interest ahead of Netherlands’ World Cup qualifier against Poland. Verbruggen, however, insisted he remains focused on Brighton and the national team, despite acknowledging the compliment of being associated with elite clubs like Bayern.

Verbruggen told reporters: "It's always a compliment to be linked with such big clubs, but I haven't really given it much thought.

"Honestly, I don't know what was right and what wasn't. My agent is keeping me away from that. When something becomes concrete and decisions have to be made, I'll automatically know."

"I've had problems with my knee this summer and have focused on staying fit. To be honest, I don’t know what has or hasn’t been going on. My agent keeps me out of it. If something becomes very concrete and choices have to be made, I’ll hear about it.

"It's important to stay calm and take everything step by step. Then I’ll see where it takes me in the end. The focus this week is on the Dutch national team, playing the qualifying matches and achieving good results."

Bayern’s search for Neuer’s eventual heir has been ongoing, with multiple options scouted across Europe. Despite already having Jonas Urbig and Sven Ulreich in the squad, and loaning out Alexander Nubel and Daniel Peretz for development, the German champions continue to monitor external options. Verbruggen’s rapid rise from Anderlecht to Brighton has made him a potential successor. 

Bayern’s long-term succession planning in goal remains unresolved and with Neuer at 39 and approaching the twilight of his career, the Bundesliga side face a decisive choice of whether to trust one of their loanees like Nubel or Peretz, or spend big on an established young star such as Verbruggen. For now, they will rely on the veteran shot stopper.