Liverpool confirm goalkeeper transfer after Giorgi Mamardashvili exit links

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Lucca Brughmans from Genk , with plans set for the young goalkeeper to rejoin the Belgian side on loan for this season.

Reports from Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad Sport suggest the Reds have spent €35million (£29.9m) to bring the 18-year-old to Merseyside . They faced competition from Real Madrid and a variety of other top European clubs for his signature.

Brughmans, who has captained Belgium at the U17 European Championships and U17 World Cup in recent years, was promoted to Genk’s first team in April, going on to make ten league appearances and keep five clean sheets.

In and out: Lucca Brughmans has rejoined Genk on loan after signing for Liverpool AFP/Getty The player, who stands a formidable 6ft7in tall, has signed a long-term contract with Liverpool before returning to Genk for the remainder of the season. He has already made four appearances for them so far this season.

Brughmans may emerge as a long-term replacement for Alisson, with the veteran shotstopper into the latter stages of his career and due to turn 34 years old next month.

He does have competition for that role, though, with Giorgi Mamardashvili the Brazilian’s more apparent heir despite links to Nottingham Forest. It remains to be seen whether that move will materialise, though, as links have gone quiet ahead of Tuesday night’s transfer deadline.

Brughmans will also need to compete with Armin Pecsi, 21, for the future role of Liverpool No1. The highly-rated Hungarian will spend this season on loan in Austria with TSV Hartberg.