Brughmans 2030

KRC Genk and Lucca Brughmans will continue their journey together. The 18-year-old goalkeeper has signed a new contract that will keep him at the Cegeka Arena until 2030.

Brughmans signed a contract extension until 2028 last season, the longest deal possible for a minor at the time. Now that Lucca has turned 18, his stay in Genk has been extended by another two years.

Brughmans made his professional debut for Jong Genk in the summer of 2024 at just 16 years old. Last season, he established himself as the team's first-choice goalkeeper. During the Play-offs, he took the next step in his career by making his senior debut for KRC Genk away at Antwerp, in front of family and friends from his hometown.

The young goalkeeper has already made 43 professional appearances for the club. An impressive milestone for a player who is only just beginning his career.

A natural leader

Brughmans has also become a key figure for Belgium's youth national teams. As captain, he led the Belgium U17 side at both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA U-17 World Cup. He now wears the captain's armband for the Belgium U19s, underlining both his maturity and his natural leadership qualities.

On the pitch, Brughmans combines quick reflexes with excellent footwork and remarkable composure. Standing at two metres tall, he also possesses an impressive reach. He wears shirt number 28, the same number as his role model, Thibaut Courtois—a fitting tribute to Genk's proud tradition of producing top-class goalkeepers, of which Lucca is now becoming part himself.

Dimitri de Condé, Head of Football at KRC Genk:

"Lucca is a goalkeeper who perfectly embodies KRC Genk's vision. He is eager to learn, works with great discipline every single day and brings a natural sense of calm to the team. We are delighted that he has committed his future to KRC Genk. He has everything it takes to play an important role for our club in the years ahead."

With this contract extension, KRC Genk once again underlines its belief in homegrown talent. Lucca will continue to receive the time, guidance and opportunities to develop further in Limburg.

Congratulations on your new deal, Lucca.