Vandevoordt poised as Leipzig’s new No.1 as Gulacsi departs

Maarten Vandevoordt finally seized the chance he earned at the end of last season, and the Belgian keeper now appears set to become RB Leipzig’s first‑choice goalkeeper as Peter Gulacsi’s imminent move to Villarreal opens the slot. The contrast between a young talent’s breakthrough and a club legend’s farewell frames Leipzig’s evolving goalkeeping picture.

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Nadat he finally got his chance at the tail end of the previous campaign, Maarten Vandevoordt seems confirmed as Leipzig’s number one. The 24‑year‑old arrived in July 2024 from Racing Genk for €10 million but has so far logged limited minutes in the German side’s line‑up.

In two seasons the Trudonaar featured in 28 official matches, and at the close of last season he overtook club icon Peter Gulacsi, playing twelve of the final thirteen Bundesliga fixtures. His late‑season surge demonstrated the trust placed in him when the opportunity arose.

Peter Gulacsi, the Hongaarse club legend of the Duitse side, is now poised for a move to Villarreal, a transfer reported by . The 36‑year‑old Hungarian international ends his Leipzig tenure after 362 official appearances, having featured in the very last match before his ‘final dance’.

Gulacsi remains under contract until 30 June 2027, yet his departure this summer has been widely anticipated and was confirmed in recent days. His exit clears the path for Maarten Vandevoordt to claim the starting spot on a permanent basis.

For Maarten Vandevoordt the development is crucial: a lack of playing time previously stalled his progress, dropping him to fourth‑choice keeper for the Rode Duivels and costing him a place in the final squad for World Cup 2026. Securing the Leipzig No.1 role could revive his national‑team prospects as a backup to Thibaut Courtois, who has announced he will sit out the Nations League.

Voor Maarten Vandevoordt this scenario is good news, and the club’s fans are invited to stay informed: Schrijf je nu in voor de Voetbalkrant nieuwsbrief.