Brighton must be worried about Bart Verbruggen exit amid Fabian Hurzeler to Bayer Leverkusen links
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Credit: Imago Wed 25 March 2026 18:00, UK Brighton should be concerned about number one goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen following Fabian Hurzeler to Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that Leverkusen are closely monitoring Brighton boss Hurzeler ahead of next season.
The 33-year-old is believed to be high up on their managerial shortlist if they decide to part ways with Kasper Hjulmand, who is under pressure despite a lack of any internal issues.Hurzeler’s own position at the Amex Stadium has been questioned in recent months, but Brighton have won four of their last five league games to move up to 10th.They will certainly not want to lose his services now that they are on the cusp of possibly returning to European football next term, but Hurzeler could jump at the opportunity to join a bigger club and take one of the Seagulls’ prized assets with him.🚨⚫️🔴 Excl | Bayer 04 Leverkusen are closely monitoring Fabian #Hürzeler for next season. 33 y/o is high on the shortlist in case the club decide to part ways with Kasper #Hjulmand.Hjulmand’s position is under pressure.
There are no internal issues – the relationship between… pic.twitter.com/xuUsVkx3Gp— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 23, 2026 View Tweet MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Fabian Hurzeler could take Bart Verbruggen to Leverkusen if he succeeds HjulmandVerbruggen has built a reputation as one of the best young goalkeepers in the Premier League at Brighton, with Hurzeler entrusting him as his first choice between the sticks at just 23-years-old.The Dutchman has started all of the Seagulls’ 31 league matches so far this term, after only missing two last season, with his boss praising him as a “very mature” character who is a “role model” to many of his teammates.Appearances31Goals conceded37Clean sheets7Save percentage70.2%Successful passes per 9031Pass accuracy76.4%Chances created1Verbruggen’s 2025-26 PL statsHe is one of the best keepers in the Premier League with the ball at his feet, as well as shot-stopping, with the likes of Newcastle and Chelsea each being linked to his services since the turn of the year, as a result.If Hurzeler does leave Brighton for Leverkusen at the end of this campaign, it certainly seems realistic that he looks to take the Dutchman with him to the BayArena.Leverkusen’s current first-team keeper options are made up of Mark Flekken, loanee Jonas Urbig, Janis Blaswich and Niklas Lomb, all of whom are 32 or older.Five different teams have kept more clean sheets than Leverkusen in the Bundesliga this season, and Hurzeler would also want to bring in a keeper who is more technically adept and knows his tactical demands.Verbruggen will also hold a desire to play at the top level, and so if Leverkusen qualify for next season’s Champions League, then that could also play a big part in him making the move alongside his Brighton boss. Brighton will stand firm over Verbruggen exit as Carl Rushworth sale plannedBrighton will need to be realistic about their upcoming summer window, with numerous exits on the cards if they fail to qualify for Europe for a third season in a row.Sources have told Football Insider that the Seagulls are open to offers for Rushworth this summer despite his strong form out on loan at Championship leaders Coventry.That is because they have no plans to lose Verbruggen, so they are clearly set to stand firm over letting him leave, no matter what happens regarding Europe and Hurzeler’s future. 🔵 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Brighton Insider Access Get the full story from the Amex and Lancing with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the South Coast.