Lucca Brughmans has set his sights on becoming Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper after completing a reported €35 million move from Genk and returning to the Belgian club on loan for the 2026-27 season.
The 18-year-old has signed a long-term contract with Liverpool but will remain in Belgium to gain regular first-team experience. The arrangement is intended to support his development before he is expected to join the Premier League club permanently next summer.
Lucca Brughmans outlines Liverpool ambition
Brughmans said Liverpool’s long-term plan was not being disclosed in full, but admitted that he wanted to establish himself as the club’s No 1 goalkeeper.
“I am not going to lay Liverpool’s plan on the table in its entirety, although the intention is to become their first-choice goalkeeper in the long term,” he said.
“I will do everything I can to achieve that, step by step. That is why I am back in Genk now and want to achieve the highest possible with the team here.”
The Belgian goalkeeper added that Liverpool staff would continue to monitor his progress while he was on loan, with coaches from both clubs exchanging information about his physical condition. Liverpool representatives are also expected to attend his matches in Belgium.
“The coaches are in contact with each other regarding my physical condition, for example. Liverpool also comes to watch my matches. It is good that I can learn from both sides,” Brughmans said.
Brughmans to continue development at Genk
Liverpool confirmed last week that Brughmans would return to Genk for the entire campaign after agreeing the transfer. The teenager had made 32 appearances for Genk’s reserve side before making his senior debut in April 2026.
He retained his place for the remainder of last season, making 10 further league appearances, and has started all four of Genk’s matches at the beginning of the new campaign. He also captained Belgium at the Under-17 European Championship and Under-17 World Cup in 2025 and is now the country’s Under-19 captain.
Brughmans impressed on his return to Genk, earning the man-of-the-match award in a goalless draw against Anderlecht. His immediate priority, however, is to continue playing regularly in Belgium before beginning the next stage of his Liverpool career.
