Genk manager Jess Thorup says he will protect new Liverpool signing Lucca Brughmans from the dangers that come with being in the spotlight after his move to the Reds was confirmed.
Liverpool signed the massive goalkeeper from Genk in a deal worth £30m, beating Real Madrid to his signature. Standing at 6 ft 6 already despite being just 18, the Belgian is one of the most exciting young shot-stoppers on the planet.
The Reds loaned him back to Genk for the 2026/27 season, and his talent was on full display on Sunday as he helped the Pro League team to a 0-0 draw with Anderlecht, making a crucial stop in the first half with a brilliant reactionary save.
He made four saves in total, but this one was particularly impressive.
pic.twitter.com/7txvc3OUPS https://t.co/IcOvNYTAfw
— ? (@sbzcomps) September 6, 2026
His manager, Jess Theroup, has promised to guide him as he prepares to make the daunting move to the Premier League next summer, which comes with a lot more scrutiny than playing in Belgium.
Theroup told Het Laatste Nieuws, “Naturally, I’ve spoken to Lucca about his transfer. We talked about the experience of going to Liverpool, and the involvement of his family and so on. Every player dreams of this, and suddenly – before you fully realise it – you’re right in the middle of it. You need a moment to let something like that sink in.
“Of course, there’s a lot coming his way. He’s in the spotlight because of the fee involved. I’ll protect him at the right moments, because we mustn’t forget that the role of Genk’s first-choice goalkeeper is still quite new to him.
“Steven Frederix (the goalkeeping coach) and I will assess match by match whether we need to give him a rest. Even though he’s only 18, I can see that he remains calm and focused.
“He’s already been back on the training pitch for a few days. The realisation that his life has changed will probably sink in sometime over the coming weeks.”
A second clean sheet in a row, rewarded with the Man of the Match trophy. Well deserved, Lucca ??#riseabove pic.twitter.com/foIF3KOrCB
— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) September 6, 2026
Liverpool will release Alisson Becker for free at the end of the season when his contract expires, and Brughmans will compete with Giorgi Mamardashvili for the No.1 role.
