{
  "id": 4607304,
  "title": "Liverpool open talks with Genk to sign 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/liverpool-open-talks-with-genk-to-sign-18-year-old-goalkeeper-lucca",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-31T08:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/liverpool-open-talks-genk-sign-084000875.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liverpool has initiated discussions with KRC Genk in an attempt to secure the services of 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Reds are in the process of negotiating a deal for the Belgium U-19 international to join them this summer. Bayern Munich is also vying for the talented young player. Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano suggests that Liverpool is considering either signing Brughmans for the current season or waiting until 2027 before making a move. Chelsea, who previously signed a young goalkeeper and gave him the opportunity to spend an additional year at Genk, currently has Giorgi Mamardashvili as their backup option. Mamardashvili, a Georgian international, has expressed discontent with being frequently substituted and may seek a transfer this summer. This potential transfer would leave a vacancy that could be filled by a young goalkeeper like Brughmans. Standing at an impressive 200cm tall, Brughmans has already made his mark in senior football, making four appearances for Genk this season and contributing to a clean sheet. He has a total of 15 appearances for the club, having featured in 11 matches during the 2025-26 season. Taking on the role of a backup goalkeeper at a club of Liverpool's stature presents a considerable challenge for an 18-year-old with limited experience in the league. It may be wiser for Liverpool to allow Brughmans to complete the season at Genk, as Chelsea did with Mike Penders, and reassess his potential next year.",
  "summary": "Liverpool have commenced talks to sign teenage sensation Lucca Brughmans from KRC Genk. Journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims that the Reds are working on a deal for the 18-year-old goalkeeper to join the...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Talks in ‘final stages’ – Sky Sports reporter all but confirms player’s exit from Liverpool",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/talks-in-final-stages-sky-sports-reporter-all-but-confirms-players",
        "published": "2026-08-31T07:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}