Newcastle United are considering a move for Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen this summer, according to The I Paper.
The Magpies are ready to bring in a long-term solution to their goalkeeping issues, and the Dutchman is on the shortlist.
Nick Pope is 33 and clearly declining. The Magpies need someone to take the mantle from the Englishman.
Aaron Ramsdale arrived at St James’ Park on loan for the season and has been a serviceable understudy, but he has not shown enough to earn a permanent transfer.
James Trafford was the club’s first-choice target last summer, but he ultimately moved to Manchester City. Any attempt to bring him to Newcastle will be complicated.
Newcastle should pull out all the stops to sign Trafford ahead of Verbruggen
Trafford trumps Verbruggen in the primary role of shot-stopper.
Trafford’s Premier League numbers are slightly better, although the sample size skews results. Verbruggen has made five errors that have led to goals in the league last season.
Newcastle will have to cough up north of £50 million to sign Verbruggen. The Seagulls notoriously drive a hard bargain.
It may be easier to get Trafford out of City, considering he has Gianluigi Donnarumma ahead of him in the pecking order.
Verbruggen is prone to making howlers, and it doesn’t look like he can cut them out of his game. He is unsure when crosses come in, and his kicking has not improved in England.
Newcastle would be better served by pursuing Trafford.
