The clock is ticking down rapidly on what promises to be a chaotic final 36 hours of the summer transfer window at Anfield, and Richard Hughes is orchestrating a flurry of dramatic late business.
Liverpool find themselves spinning multiple plates simultaneously as the deadline looms, balancing a blockbuster £85m departure, a surprise forward addition, and a high-stakes domino effect in the goalkeeping department that could shape the club’s long-term future.
While the headline-grabbing pursuits of attacking reinforcements rightly dominate the back pages, it is the startling scramble for Genk’s teenage sensation Lucca Brughmans that has truly sent shockwaves through Merseyside this Monday morning.
The Mamardashvili Conundrum Triggers Goalkeeper Shake-Up
Giorgi Mamardashvili’s patience has finally snapped. The giant Georgian arrived with a towering reputation, yet facing the prospect of playing second fiddle for another season while firmly in the prime of his career has proven entirely unpalatable. Consequently, talks are now well underway regarding a permanent transfer to Nottingham Forest, with all parties anticipating a clean break rather than a temporary loan exit.
This impending departure creates an immediate void that Liverpool simply must address. Alisson Becker remains the undisputed number one for the 2026/27 campaign, but the Brazilian stalwart turns 33, battles a persistent injury record, and importantly going into the final year of his current contract.
With Vitezslav Jaros still working his way back from a serious knee injury and Freddie Woodman secured purely as homegrown third-choice depth, the Reds desperately needed a visionary succession plan. Enter a surprising Belgian giant.
Meet Lucca Brughmans: The 6ft 7in Belgian Wonderkid On The Move
On Sunday evening, respected Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri sent the rumour mill into overdrive by breaking the news that Liverpool were drastically ramping up talks to secure Genk shot-stopper Lucca Brughmans. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano swiftly verified the contact, confirming that official club-to-club discussions had opened over a deal valued at €35m, which translates to roughly £30m.
Despite being just 18 years of age, Brughmans already casts an imposing shadow at an astonishing 6ft 7in tall. He has already asserted himself in Genk’s senior setup, racking up four league appearances this season alone, and scouts across Europe view him as the absolute pinnacle of young goalkeeping potential.
?? More on our exclusive story regarding Lucca Brugmans & Liverpool FC.
The Belgian goalkeeper is currently undergoing his medical tests as a precaution due to the tight schedule. The transfer is valued at €35M.
If Giorgi Mamardashvili signs for Nottingham, the Belgian will… pic.twitter.com/Vm81aa35a0
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 31, 2026
With the transfer window slamming shut in less than 36 hours, Liverpool are leaving absolutely nothing to chance. Fabrizio Romano provided a fresh update on Monday morning confirming that Brughmans is actively undergoing a pre-emptive medical examination to ensure all administrative hurdles are cleared before the deadline passes.
The mechanics of this high-stakes deal hinge entirely on the Mamardashvili saga unfolding at City Ground. If Nottingham Forest finalise a permanent deal for the Georgian, Brughmans will immediately integrate into Liverpool’s ranks.
Should that move stall, KRC Genk are expected to retain the teenager on loan for another full season to continue his rapid development in the Jupiler Pro League.
While personal terms still require final rubber-stamping a formality according to sources in Belgium the £30m framework is fully agreed.
?? Liverpool have reached verbal agreement with Genk to sign 18 year old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, here we go!
Deal worth €35m package, expected to join in summer 2027 as #LFC already got the authorization for medical.
Formal steps are yet to follow after medical. After… pic.twitter.com/Kkjf4i9otb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2026
The scramble for Brughmans forms just one piece of a vastly complicated jigsaw puzzle at Anfield. Liverpool have actively worked to overhaul their forward options, striking a massive agreement to bring Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola to Merseyside. Meanwhile, negotiations continue surrounding Cody Gakpo’s potential £85m switch to Manchester City.
Following a stuttering start to the Premier League campaign under Andoni Iraola, supporters have every right to demand a frantic finish to the window. Whether Brughmans arrives at Kirkby immediately to duel for gloves or remains on loan in Belgium until 2027.
