Liverpool line up Genk teenager Luca Brugmans in goalkeeping succession plan

Liverpool are preparing a move for Genk goalkeeper Luca Brugmans, with the highly rated Belgium teenager valued at up to €35m as the club reassesses its long-term goalkeeping options.

The proposed deal is closely linked to the future of Giorgi Mamardashvili, who Liverpool signed from Valencia for about €30m. The Georgia international remained at Valencia on a season-long loan before his planned move to Anfield, but uncertainty over his place in Liverpool’s squad could determine whether Brugmans also joins the club.

According to Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, Genk have placed a valuation of approximately €35m on Brugmans. The 18-year-old is around two metres tall and is regarded in Belgium as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the country.

Brugmans has been nicknamed the “new Courtois”, a reference to Belgium and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Courtois began his career with Genk before progressing to the highest level of European football.

Liverpool’s interest forms part of a broader review of the goalkeeping department. The club already have Mamardashvili in their plans, but his future at Liverpool is understood to be central to any decision on Brugmans during the final hours of the transfer window.

If Mamardashvili leaves Liverpool, Brugmans could arrive immediately. Should the Georgian goalkeeper remain with the English club, Brugmans would instead stay at Genk on loan for another season.

The situation also reflects the uncertainty surrounding Alisson Becker. The Brazilian’s Liverpool contract is due to expire in June 2027, and it remains unclear whether the club intends to extend his stay. Alisson will turn 34 in October next year.

Alisson joined Liverpool from Roma in the summer of 2018 for €72m. He has since established himself as one of the most important goalkeepers in the club’s history and has played a key role during a successful period for the team.

Liverpool are therefore considering how best to plan for the next stage of the position, either with Mamardashvili succeeding Alisson or by adding another emerging goalkeeper in Brugmans. Genk’s teenage prospect is now being monitored as a potential long-term option, although his arrival depends on how Liverpool resolve Mamardashvili’s immediate future.

Genk’s valuation would make Brugmans a significant investment for an 18-year-old goalkeeper, but his physical profile and reputation have attracted attention from Liverpool. The Belgian club’s former goalkeeper Courtois provides an obvious point of comparison, although Brugmans is still at the beginning of his senior career.

For now, the proposed transfer remains dependent on movement elsewhere in Liverpool’s goalkeeping plans. The outcome involving Mamardashvili is expected to decide whether Brugmans moves to Anfield soon or continues his development with Genk for at least one more season.