Brighton complete Verbruggen deal

Seagulls make their first summer signing

Albion have signed goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht for 19million.

The 23-year-old has signed a five-year deal and becomes the club's first signing of the summer. Verbruggen is a Belgian U21 international and has been capped at every youth level for his country.

He made his senior debut for Anderlecht in 2019 and has since made 50 appearances for the club. Verbruggen has also played in the Europa League and Champions League.

The goalkeeper is 6ft 9in tall and is known for his shot-stopping abilities. He is also comfortable with the ball at his feet and is good at distributing the ball.

Verbruggen is expected to compete with Robert Sanchez for the number one spot at Brighton. Sanchez has been the club's first-choice goalkeeper for the past two seasons, but Verbruggen will provide him with competition.

The signing of Verbruggen is a significant statement of intent from Brighton. The club is looking to build on a successful season that saw them finish ninth in the Premier League.