- Aston Villa have added Bart Verbruggen to their shortlist to replace Emi Martínez should he leave in the summer
- He is admired by Villa’s recruitment team alongside Manchester City’s James Trafford
- Whether Brighton secure European football next season will likely affect his price
Aston Villa have added Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to their summer shortlist. Following their Europa League triumph against SC Freiburg in Istanbul, co-owner Nassef Sawiris and Unai Emery are mapping out an aggressive squad overhaul to prepare for next season’s Champions League campaign.
While establishing a foothold among Europe’s elite, the Villa recruitment team is proactively assessing options between the sticks. Alongside Manchester City’s James Trafford, the 23-year-old Dutch international Verbruggen has emerged as a heavily admired target for the Midlands club.
The interest comes at a time when Martínez’s future at B6 is once again uncertain. Despite his world-class ability and crucial performances this season, the Villans’ need to reduce the age of the squad and their wage bill continues to grow. This makes the Argentinian’s departure financially beneficial.
However, John Percy from The Telegraph has reported that there is absolutely no guarantee that Martínez will leave this summer, due to his age and wage demands. But, Villa are actively attempting to future-proof their squad.
A rising star in demand
Verbruggen has enjoyed a highly productive campaign under Fabian Hürzeler at Brighton, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most progressive young goalkeepers.
This season, he has played all 37 of the Seagulls’ league games, keeping ten clean sheets and conceding 43 goals. He’s made 101 saves, ranking him joint-fourth, and has completed the most passes by a goalkeeper with 1,152.
The Dutchman’s comfortable distribution and calm presence under pressure align perfectly with Emery’s tactical philosophy, which demands methodical build-up from the back.
Verbruggen’s value has steadily risen since arriving on the South Coast, putting him firmly on the radar of clubs carrying heavy continental aspirations.
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Ultimately, Villa’s interest in Verbruggen signals a bold, forward-thinking strategy ahead of their return to the Champions League. While Martínez remains the established hero of Villa Park, targeting a progressive, ball-playing goalkeeper ensures Emery’s system can thrive for years to come.
However, navigating negotiations with Brighton will require significant financial commitment, but Villa’s recent European success may provide the necessary leverage.
As the recruitment team balances reducing the wage bill with upgrading the squad, securing a rising star like Verbruggen would prove the ambitious Midlands club can maintain their status among Europe’s elite.
