KRC Genk has extended the contract of highly-rated goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans until June 2028. In doing so, one of Belgium’s brightest goalkeeping talents has committed his future to the Blue and White. The new contract is also the longest possible deal a minor can sign in Belgium.
Lucca Brughmans (17) has been a fixture in the Genk goalkeeping setup for several years. He joined the KRC Genk Talent Academy in 2022 from PSV Eindhoven—a conscious decision at the time to become part of Genk’s renowned goalkeeper academy, which has paid off ever since. After taking his first steps in the Academy, Brughmans has been training with the first team on a regular basis since the age of 15, under the guidance of Guy Martens. At just 16 years old, he made his debut for Jong Genk in the Challenger Pro League. Standing at 2 meters tall, Brughmans combines an impressive physical presence with exceptional reflexes—especially for a goalkeeper of his height. He’s also technically gifted with his feet, a trademark of the Genk goalkeeper academy.
Off the pitch, Brughmans is just as driven. Before his 18th birthday, he will already have earned his high school diploma. With many interests beyond football, he is eager to continue challenging himself academically in the years to come.
Growing in the best possible environment
Despite interest from abroad, Brughmans has chosen to stay at KRC Genk until the summer of 2028—the maximum contract length for a minor. “I feel at home at KRC Genk,” he said with conviction. “Every day, I get the opportunity to improve, to grow in the best possible environment, and to work towards my dream.”
“We are proud that Lucca has chosen to continue his journey with us,” added Dimitri de Condé, Head of Football at KRC Genk. “He is without a doubt one of the most promising goalkeepers of his generation. He has exceptional physical qualities, strong footwork, and the maturity and personality of a modern top goalkeeper. He proved that as the 16-year-old captain of our U19 side in the Youth League last season. This past summer, he also wore the captain’s armband for Belgium’s U17 team at the European Championship.”
Wearing Courtois’ iconic number
KRC Genk is proud to once again extend the stay of a homegrown talent. Alongside Tobias Lawal and Hendrik Van Crombrugge, Brughmans will be part of the first-team goalkeeping group. He is expected to be the starting goalkeeper for Jong Genk this season. In both competitions, he will wear the number 28.
