Leipzig (Germany) (AFP) - RB Leipzig on Tuesday revealed they have taken the unusual step of signing Belgian goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt from 2024 on a five-year contract.
The 20-year-old will join the Bundesliga club in two years time and will rival Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, 31, whose Leipzig contract expires in 2025.
"(This) allows us to secure a top transfer for the future at an early stage," explained Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell, who describes Vandervoordt as an "excellent prospect".
Vandevoordt is the youngest goalkeeper to have played in the Champions League, when he made his European debut in 2019 at the age of 17 years, 287 days.
He has since become first-choice goalkeeper for Genk and plays for Belgium Under-21.
"I’m very happy about my upcoming transfer to RB Leipzig," said Vandervoordt, who has made 71 appearances for Genk.
"Peter Gulacsi has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in Europe at this club.That’s the route I also want to take.
"Now I want to carry on gaining match practise in Genk to be able to take the next step in Leipzig."
