Jari De Busser could return to his home country this summer. The Belgian goalkeeper of Go Ahead Eagles is being closely monitored by Club Brugge, who need to enter the market now that Simon Mignolet has announced his retirement. De Busser name is on the shortlist of the runners-up in Belgium.
Club Brugge prepare for life after Simon Mignolet
Club Brugge are entering a significant period of transition after Simon Mignolet confirmed that he will retire from goalkeeping at the end of the season. The veteran goalkeeper, now 38, has decided to bring the curtain down on a career that lasted 19 seasons at the highest level, closing an important chapter both for himself and for one of the biggest clubs in Belgian football. From September onward, Mignolet is set to begin a new role as sporting manager at the Belgian Football Association, moving into the administrative side of the game after many years as one of the most recognisable goalkeepers in the country.
His decision means Club Brugge must now look closely at the future of their goalkeeping department. Replacing a player of Mignolet calibre is never a routine task. His experience, leadership, authority in the penalty area and calm presence in high pressure matches made him far more than just a goalkeeper. He became one of the pillars of the team after joining Club Brugge in 2019, and his departure leaves not only a tactical gap but also a strong personality void inside the dressing room.
A new goalkeeper will be one of the main market priorities
Even though Club Brugge already have several goalkeepers in the squad, it is understandable that the club are exploring external options. Nordin Jackers offers depth and reliability, Dani van den Heuvel remains another option within the group, and Axl De Corte is regarded as a promising young talent. On paper, that gives the club a relatively broad pool of goalkeepers. In reality, however, the challenge is more specific. Club Brugge are not simply looking for numbers. They are looking for someone who can eventually command the position at a high level and deal with the expectations that come with playing for a title contender in Belgium.
That search has led the club to keep a close eye on Jari De Busser. The Belgian goalkeeper, currently with Go Ahead Eagles, has reportedly emerged as one of the names being considered as Club Brugge map out the post Mignolet era. It is not difficult to see why. De Busser is at an age where he can still develop further, yet he has already shown signs of maturity, resilience and match winning character. Those are qualities that naturally attract the attention of ambitious clubs looking for a goalkeeper who can grow into a major role.
De Busser has raised his profile in the Netherlands
Everything points to De Busser being in the final stretch of his time at Go Ahead Eagles. The 26 year old only arrived in the summer of 2024, but his progression since then has been impressive. He did not walk straight into an untouchable starting role. Instead, he had to work his way into the team over the course of several months, eventually forcing his way into the line up after around half a season. That rise says a great deal about his mentality. Goalkeepers often need patience, and those who can stay focused while waiting for an opportunity usually develop a stronger competitive edge.
Once he secured his place, De Busser became a major contributor. His role in Go Ahead Eagles reaching the cup final and then winning the KNVB Cup significantly increased his visibility. Cup competitions often create defining moments for goalkeepers, and De Busser appears to have delivered exactly that. A standout display in the penalty shootout underlined his nerve and composure, two characteristics that tend to shape the reputation of a goalkeeper very quickly. Big matches, intense pressure and small margins can reveal whether a player has the personality needed for a larger stage, and De Busser seems to have passed that test.
For Club Brugge, that matters. They need more than a technically competent goalkeeper. They need somebody who can live with scrutiny, produce decisive saves in important moments and handle the emotional swings that come with competing for domestic trophies and European objectives. A goalkeeper who has already experienced a cup run, a final and the pressure of a shootout will naturally be viewed as a more interesting profile than someone with ability alone but limited exposure to meaningful occasions.
Contract situation could shape the next move
Another factor that makes De Busser particularly relevant in the coming months is his contract situation. He remains tied to Go Ahead Eagles until the summer of 2027, which means his current club are not under immediate pressure to sell. At the same time, attempts to extend that deal have so far not produced an agreement. That usually changes the tone around a player. Even when a club still holds a strong contractual position, the absence of a renewal often encourages suitors to test the situation more seriously.
From the perspective of Go Ahead Eagles, this is a delicate moment. They have a goalkeeper whose stock has risen because of strong performances and silverware, but they also face the possibility that his value may be best protected by a transfer rather than by waiting too long. From the perspective of De Busser, this may be the right stage of his career to take the next step. A return to Belgium, especially with a club of the size and visibility of Club Brugge, could be difficult to ignore.
Competition and expectations would be high
Still, any move would come with its own challenges. Replacing Mignolet is not just about filling a position on the teamsheet. It is about inheriting a role defined by consistency and authority. Supporters, staff and teammates will compare any newcomer with a goalkeeper who became a reference point at the club. That can be a heavy burden for anyone stepping into the spotlight. De Busser would need to show quickly that he is not overwhelmed by the scale of the club or the demands attached to the shirt.
There is also the internal competitive picture to consider. Club Brugge are unlikely to hand the position to any new arrival without a fight. Jackers, Van den Heuvel and De Corte all provide different profiles and will have their own ambitions. Any goalkeeper signed by the club must therefore be ready not only to impress externally, but also to establish himself within a competitive environment from day one. That said, clubs chasing major honours usually accept that quality competition is necessary in such a specialist position.
Anderlecht and Lorient interest adds further intrigue
De Busser is not a name that has suddenly appeared out of nowhere. He had already drawn attention from Anderlecht and FC Lorient, which reinforces the idea that his development has been noticed across multiple markets. When several clubs begin monitoring the same goalkeeper, it generally reflects a broader belief that he is approaching a higher level in his career. For Club Brugge, that can create urgency. Waiting too long in the market can allow rivals to move first, especially when a player is entering a summer in which his future is already under discussion.
That is why the coming transfer window could be decisive. Club Brugge now know with certainty that Mignolet will leave his goalkeeping role. They also know that the team must begin a new cycle between the posts. De Busser fits the type of player many clubs target in such circumstances: young enough to improve, experienced enough to contribute immediately, and fresh off a season that has enhanced both his confidence and his reputation.
A move that would make sense for both sides
At this stage, De Busser remains only one of the names under consideration, but the logic behind the interest is easy to understand. Club Brugge need succession planning with real substance, not just temporary cover. De Busser, meanwhile, appears to be nearing the end of his time with Go Ahead Eagles and may be ready for a return to Belgian football with greater responsibility and greater visibility. The profile matches the moment.
Whether that interest turns into formal negotiations remains to be seen, but the overall picture is becoming clearer. Mignolet departure has opened an important vacancy. Club Brugge are studying the market carefully. De Busser is rising at the right time. As the summer window approaches, this could develop into one of the more interesting goalkeeper stories involving Belgian football.
Updated: 07:13, 3 Apr 2026
