Real Madrid have been fortunate to have a goalkeeper like Thibaut Courtois, who has been a beacon of consistency for the club over the years.
However, at 34, the club are also right to start preparing for his eventual successor as part of their long-term planning.
Now, according to journalist Ben Fernandes Santos , Real Madrid are closely monitoring Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as a possible replacement.
The 24-year-old Dutch international has made a name for himself with impressive performances in the Premier League.
Verbruggen's latest performance against Manchester City yesterday was a display worthy of the Hall of Fame against one of the league's best attacks.
He made seven saves as Fabian Hurzeler's side kept an incredible clean sheet and secured a win at the Etihad Stadium.
Verbruggen has developed considerably since joining Brighton from Anderlecht in 2023. He quickly became first choice at the Amex and for the Netherlands.
Bart Verbruggen is developing into an excellent goalkeeper. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
His impressive reflexes, composure under pressure and ability to distribute the ball effectively make him the perfect modern-day goalkeeper.
Madrid have been monitoring the 24-year-old for some time now and continue to track his progress for the Seagulls.
Courtois is still going strong at 34, remains Jose Mourinho's undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and has a contract that runs until 2027.
The Belgian is also in talks with the club over a potential extension , underlining his intention to continue as the club's number one.
As long as he continues to perform without a drop in his level, there is no reason for Madrid to think about replacing Courtois.
However, identifying his future successor instead of waiting until he leaves is a smart and sensible decision by Los Blancos .
Could Verbruggen be the answer to Madrid's life after Courtois? (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Replacing Courtois is not just about finding another shot-stopper. Mourinho will want someone capable of handling pressure, commanding the penalty area and delivering consistently.
Verbruggen may still have areas of his game that he needs to improve, but at 24, he is still very young for a goalkeeper.
If he continues on the same trajectory in the Premier League, it is only a matter of time before top teams in Europe start queuing up for him.
It remains to be seen how Verbruggen develops and whether he inherits the No. 1 jersey from Thibaut Courtois at the Santiago Bernabeu in the future.
