K.R.C. Genk's teenage goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans is the subject of concrete interest from Liverpool, as reported by HLN Voetbal on Saturday, August 30. The 18-year-old shot-stopper, who has been the first choice since last season's playoffs, is viewed as a potential successor to Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is close to joining Nottingham Forest.
The English transfer window closes on September 1, making the coming hours decisive. No formal offer has been made to Genk yet, but the interest from the Premier League giant is serious. Meanwhile, Genk is actively strengthening other positions. The Limburg side has officially signed Benjamin Tahirovic. The 23-year-old Bosnian international joins on loan from Brøndby IF, with an option to buy for four additional seasons. Tahirovic previously played for Roma and Ajax. "I am very happy with this move to K.R.C. Genk," the midfielder said. "This is a club with ambition, great facilities and a clear philosophy."
Which other reinforcements are arriving?
Alongside Tahirovic, the arrival of defender Christiaan Ravych is nearing completion. The 24-year-old Belgian, who has played for the national youth teams, is transferring from Cercle Brugge for a fee of 3.2 million euros. Cercle Brugge initially wanted around 4 million. Ravych, who had a contract until 2027 with an option at Cercle, is scheduled to undergo medical tests soon. The signing of Tahirovic means a potential move for Canadian international Niko Sigur from Hajduk Split is now off. Forward Zakaria El Ouahdi could also still leave the club.
How is Genk performing in the league?
The transfer activity unfolds against the backdrop of a solid start to the season for Genk. The club sits fifth in the Jupiler Pro League with seven points from four matches. The team has two wins, one draw, and one loss, resulting in a recent form of WDWL. Across those four games, Genk has scored twelve goals and conceded eight, for a goal difference of plus four. They trail league leaders Charleroi by five points. The next test is a home match against Gent on September 13, an opponent currently in eighth place. Fans can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
What does this mean for the goalkeeping position?
Losing Brughmans would be a significant blow for Genk. The academy product seized his opportunity last spring and has since made himself indispensable. His potential departure highlights the appeal that talented homegrown players can have for Europe's elite clubs. It would also force Genk to seek a new number one, unless they place faith in the current backup keepers. The current squad can be tracked in our squad overview.
What does the immediate future hold?
With the transfer deadline looming, the coming period is critical for squad building. A potential sale of Brughmans would free up financial resources but also create a sporting challenge. The arrivals of Tahirovic and Ravych are meant to increase the depth and quality of the squad for the busy autumn months. Genk must keep pace with the top, as trailing Charleroi by five points makes every dropped point costly. The current league table is always available in our standings. Focus must soon shift to preparing for the home game against Gent, a key fixture in the battle for the upper reaches of the table.
