Brighton & Hove Albion may need a new first-choice goalkeeper next season, as current starter Bart Verbruggen is reportedly considering a move away from the club, according to former Seagulls defender Guy Butters. Verbruggen, who played every minute of Brighton's Premier League campaign, has been linked with a transfer, leaving manager Fabian Hurzeler with a potential selection battle. The competition would pit veteran Jason Steele, who has an upcoming role training with Thomas Tuchel's England squad in the USA, against Carl Rushworth, who impressed on loan at Championship side Coventry City.

Verbruggen's every-minute Premier League season and the looming exit

Bart Verbruggen, a 22-year-old Dutch international, has been an ever-present figure for Brighton this seeason, featuring in all 38 Premier League matches. According to the report citing Guy Butters, the club's chairman would likely sell if the 'right price' is offered, following Brighton's established model of moving on key players at peak market value.. This mirrors past departures of stars like Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, as Brighton consistently reinvests sale proceeds into younger talent.

Guy Butters' 'big headache' warning for Fabian Hurzeler

Butters described the situation as 'potentially a big headache' for new head coach Fabian Hurzeler, who must prepare for the possibility of losing his number-one goalkeeper. 'If Verbruggen wants to leave and the right price is there, then the chairman should say, thank you for coming,wish you all the best and sell him,' Butters told the source. The comment underscores the deicate balance between player ambition and club strategy, with Hurzeler likely to inherit a squad still in transition.

Jason Steele's unlikely England role and his claim to the starting spot

Veteran Jason Steele, 33, has been invited to train with Thomas Tuchel's England squad during their USA tour, a sign of his respected professionalism. butters noted that Steele 'has done nothing wrong when he's played' and would likely consider himself deserving of the number-one spot if Verbruggen departs. His experience could be vital for a Brighton side aiming to maintain a top-half finish, but his age raises questions about a long-term solution.

Carl Rushworth's Coventry credentials and the bench dilemma

Carl Rushworth, 22, impressed during a season-long loan at Championship side Coventry City, earning plaudits for his performances. Butters raised a key question: 'Is the other lad willing to come to another Premier League club and sit on the bench? I think Coventry would be keen to snap him up.' This suggests Rushworth may want regular football, potentially forcing Brighton to choose between him and Steele as the immediate successor.

Open questions remain around Verbruggen's own preferences: Has he requested a transfer, and which clubs are interested? Neither the player nor his representatives have commented publicly. Additionally, the specific transfer fee Brighton would demand is unverified, though the club historically commands high prices for its assets. The source does not mention any formal bids or negotiations, leaving the timeline uncertain.