Liverpool spend £30 million on 18‑year‑old Brughmans as Alisson future looms

Vida after Alisson is now a headline at Liverpool, which confirmed on deadline day the signing of 18‑year‑old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans from Genk in Belgium. The deal was announced as the transfer window closed, with a reported fee of £30 million including bonuses.

Why Liverpool needed a new goalkeeper

Alisson’s contract runs out at the end of the season, and the club has yet to secure a clear successor. The possible departure of Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili adds uncertainty, while Nottingham Forest have shown interest but made no concrete offer. Liverpool already have Freddie Woodman, Vitezslav Jaros, Armin Pecsi, Harvey Davies and Kornel Misciur as options, but the club seeks a long‑term solution.

Deal details and future prospects

The transfer sparked a bidding war involving Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, yet the Reds prevailed. Reports differ on the exact sum: one source cites £30 million, while another mentions a guaranteed €33 million plus €2 million in potential bonuses. The agreement includes an immediate loan back to Genk for a year, with Liverpool retaining the option to recall Brughmans in January, though that scenario appears unlikely.

Brughmans arrived with limited senior experience, having featured in only 15 first‑team matches for Genk and four games this season, including a 4‑0 victory over SK Beveren. He captains the Belgium under‑19 side and is regarded as one of the country’s top prospects.

For the Reds, the signing represents a strategic move to secure a successor for the Brazilian star while addressing a gap left by recent departures. The club’s recent transfer activity saw a £106 million outlay for Bradley Barcola and arrivals such as Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Muñoz and Ronald Araújo, yet the goalkeeper position remained a priority.

Looking ahead, Brughmans will continue his development at Genk until at least January, when Liverpool may decide whether to bring him to Anfield. His progression will be closely watched as the club navigates the post‑Alisson era and evaluates the feasibility of Mamardashvili’s exit.