According to a report by Madrid Universal on Tuesday November 10, 2026, Real Madrid have identified Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as a potential long-term replacement for Thibaut Courtois as the Spanish giants begin planning for the future of their goalkeeping department.

According to reports, the reigning European giants are closely monitoring the Netherlands international as they consider their options for life beyond the experienced Belgian goalkeeper.

Courtois remains an important member of Jose Mourinho's squad at the Santiago Bernabeu and continues to be regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football.

However, at 34 years old, Real Madrid are aware that they cannot depend on him indefinitely and have reportedly started identifying possible successors before the need for a major change becomes urgent.

The Belgian international's current contract is due to expire in 2027, although the club are already working towards offering him a one-year extension.

Courtois has continued to demonstrate his importance to the team this season, making 15 appearances across all competitions, keeping four clean sheets and conceding 16 goals.

His experience and ability to produce important saves have made him a crucial figure in Mourinho's plans, particularly as Real Madrid seek to maintain their impressive performances.

Nevertheless, the club's interest in Verbruggen suggests that their long-term recruitment strategy is already taking shape.

The 24-year-old Brighton goalkeeper has reportedly emerged as Real Madrid's preferred candidate to eventually take over from Courtois.

Verbruggen has attracted attention because of his physical presence, age, reliability between the posts and ability to contribute to his team's build-up play.

Those qualities make him an appealing option for a club that traditionally demands a high standard from its goalkeepers.

Real Madrid would also be getting a goalkeeper who has several years ahead of him at the highest level, potentially allowing him to become an important part of the team for a long period.

However, completing a deal for the Dutchman could prove difficult because Brighton are reluctant to lose one of their important players.

The Premier League side reportedly consider Verbruggen a key part of their project and would prefer to keep him rather than allow him to leave for another club.

His contractual situation, however, could create an opportunity for Real Madrid.

Verbruggen's current deal with Brighton expires in 2028, meaning he will enter the final year of his contract in the summer of 2027 if he does not agree to an extension.

That could place Brighton in a difficult position, particularly if the goalkeeper shows no willingness to commit his future to the club.

Rather than risk losing him without receiving a transfer fee, Brighton could become more open to negotiations if a suitable offer arrives.

Real Madrid are reportedly aware of this situation and could view the summer of 2027 as an ideal opportunity to pursue the Netherlands international.

The possibility of playing for Real Madrid could also be attractive to Verbruggen, with the Spanish giants offering the opportunity to compete for major domestic and European trophies.

However, there is currently no indication that an agreement has been reached between the clubs, and Brighton's position could determine whether the reported interest develops into a concrete transfer.

For now, Courtois remains firmly established as Real Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper, and the club are not reportedly looking to force him out of the Santiago Bernabeu.