Real Madrid are reportedly keeping a close watch on Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as they consider possible long-term successors to Thibaut Courtois.

According to a report by Madrid Universal on Sunday, November 1, 2026, the Spanish giants have identified the 24-year-old Netherlands international as a potential candidate to take over from Courtois when the Belgian eventually leaves the club.

Courtois has been a key figure at the Santiago Bernabeu, producing consistently outstanding performances and establishing himself among the world’s leading goalkeepers. However, now aged 34, Madrid have begun considering their options for the years ahead.

Journalist Ben Fernandes Santos reports that Los Blancos are monitoring Verbruggen’s development at Brighton, where he has continued to impress since establishing himself in the Premier League.

The Dutch goalkeeper recently caught attention with an outstanding performance against Manchester City, making seven saves to help Brighton secure a notable victory at the Etihad Stadium without conceding.

That display further strengthened his reputation as one of Europe’s exciting young goalkeepers and highlighted the progress he has made under Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler.

Verbruggen joined Brighton from Anderlecht in 2023 and has since become the club’s established first-choice goalkeeper. His development has also earned him an important role with the Netherlands national team.

His excellent reflexes, calmness under pressure and ability to distribute the ball effectively are among the qualities that make him an attractive prospect. These attributes are particularly valuable to teams looking for goalkeepers who can contribute to building attacks as well as making crucial saves.

Madrid have reportedly been tracking his progress for some time as they evaluate their long-term plans for the position.

However, Courtois remains Mourinho’s preferred goalkeeper, and there is no immediate indication that he is about to lose his place. His current contract expires in 2027, with discussions over a possible extension reportedly ongoing.

As long as the Belgian continues performing at his current level, Madrid have little reason to make an urgent change. Nevertheless, identifying potential replacements early could help the club avoid a difficult transition when Courtois eventually departs.

Finding his successor will be a significant challenge, given the standards he has established at the Bernabeu. Madrid will need a goalkeeper capable of dominating his penalty area, remaining composed in high-pressure situations and delivering consistently in major competitions.

At 24, Verbruggen has plenty of room to improve, although further development may be necessary before he can realistically fill such an important role.

His continued progress at Brighton could attract even greater interest from Europe’s elite clubs. While a future move to Madrid is far from certain, the Dutch international is reportedly emerging as one of the goalkeeping options being considered for the club’s next generation.