Club Brugge manager Ivan Leko has said that defender Joaquin Seys has the talent to reach the absolute top of the Premier League, amid reported interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Breakout at Brugge
Seys, 21, came through Brugge's academy and made his first-team debut in 2024. He made 55 appearances in all competitions last season and helped the club win the Belgian Pro League title for the seventh time in a decade.
His performances earned him a call-up to Belgium's squad for this summer's World Cup, although he saw limited playing time behind first-choice left-back Maxim De Cuyper.
World Cup Cameo
Seys came on as a second-half substitute in the quarter-final against Spain, replacing De Cuyper, and was praised for his performance against Lamine Yamal.
Leko told Flemish newspaper De Morgen: "I see him reaching the absolute top of the Premier League. In my opinion, he has no ceiling. He has the talent, the character, and above all, the right mentality."
Leko also revealed that Brugge players not at the World Cup gathered to watch Seys's cameo. He said: "He may have only played thirty minutes at the World Cup, in the quarter-final against Spain, but what a half-hour it was! We watched that match with the entire squad in Rotterdam, the day after our friendly against Feyenoord. The atmosphere was fantastic, because Joa more than held his own against Lamine Yamal, one of the best players in the world. He is extraordinary."
Transfer Interest
Reports this week claimed United and Arsenal had made enquiries about the full-back's availability. Brugge have reportedly set a €35 million (£30m) price tag on the Belgium international.
Leko also praised Seys's work ethic, saying he is always among the first to arrive and the last to leave the training ground. "That's just how he is: he arrives first and leaves last," he said.
Aston Villa, Newcastle, Benfica and Porto have also been credited with interest in Seys. Manchester United are reportedly considering Seys as a backup option, with Newcastle ruling out a move for Lewis Hall.
Seys has three years remaining on his contract at Brugge's Jan Breydel Stadium.
