Jari de Busser Set for Move to Belgian Top Flight

Club Brugge has identified Go Ahead Eagles goalkeeper Jari de Busser as a potential candidate to fill the void left by the impending retirement of Simon Mignolet. The Belgian club is currently searching for a new primary shot-stopper following Mignolet’s announcement on April 2, 2026, that he will conclude his professional football career at the end of the current season.

Mignolet, 38, leaves a significant gap in the roster of the Blue and Blacks after a career spanning more than 700 matches. According to reports from Het Laatste Nieuws, Club Brugge is casting a wide net to find a suitable successor, and the 26-year-old De Busser has emerged as a prominent name on their shortlist.

Impact and Success at Go Ahead Eagles

De Busser’s profile has risen significantly since his move to the Eredivisie. He joined the Deventer-based club, Go Ahead Eagles, on a free transfer from Lommel SK on August 21, 2024. Since his arrival, he has made 59 appearances for the team.

The Belgian goalkeeper has already secured a place in the history of Go Ahead Eagles by playing a pivotal role in the club’s first-ever Eurojackpot KNVB Cup victory. His contributions were most evident during the final against AZ, where he saved two penalties in the shootout to secure a 4-2 win.

This performance earned De Busser substantial prestige and cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable goalkeepers currently playing outside the Belgian Pro League.

Career Trajectory and Belgian Roots

A return to the Belgian top flight would mark a homecoming for De Busser, who is no stranger to the domestic league. Before his first international venture in the Netherlands, he spent time with several Belgian clubs, including KAA Gent, Lommel SK, and Lierse SK.

The interest from Club Brugge is not the only link connecting De Busser to a return to Belgium. Reports indicate that he was previously linked to Anderlecht, and he has stated in the media that his ultimate goal is to return to Belgium.

Broader Transfer Interest

Beyond the interest from Club Brugge, De Busser has attracted attention from various other European clubs. Reports from Voetbalnieuws.be indicate that Feyenoord was among the clubs interested in the goalkeeper, although a transfer did not materialize.

transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that the French club FC Lorient has closely monitored De Busser. While a Ligue 1 club maintained interest in his services, De Busser reportedly declined because the move would have required his parents to relocate.

Contractual Status

Any potential move for the goalkeeper will require negotiations with Go Ahead Eagles, as De Busser is currently under contract until June 30, 2027.

While De Busser is a high-priority target for the Belgian giants, Club Brugge is reportedly considering a wide range of options to replace the former Liverpool shot-stopper. It remains to be seen whether the club will ultimately select the 26-year-old as the definitive successor to Mignolet.