Ahead of the 2025/26 Belgian Pro League campaign, questions had been raised about how Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen would handle the team’s goalkeeping duties. Since arriving from Liverpool in 2019, Simon Mignolet has been a pillar of consistency. Now 37, the former Sunderland and Liverpool man continues to defy his age with strong performances — most recently playing a key role in Brugge’s win over Genk this past weekend.
Despite Mignolet’s form, Club Brugge have opted for a strategic rotation in August as they prepare for crucial Champions League qualifiers against RB Salzburg. According to HLN, Mignolet will focus exclusively on the European ties, while 27-year-old Nordin Jackers will take over in domestic league matches.
Jackers, who has deputized ably during Mignolet’s absences over the past two seasons, is considered a reliable option in goal. Having previously played for Waasland-Beveren and OH Leuven, Jackers is entering his prime and needs consistent minutes to maintain form and confidence. Brugge’s decision reflects a desire to keep both goalkeepers engaged and satisfied, especially as Jackers cannot afford to spend another season as a full-time backup.
While this arrangement brings clarity for the month of August, it may only be a temporary fix. Once the Champions League qualifiers conclude, the debate over who should be first choice is likely to resume. Hayen faces a challenging task in managing two top-level goalkeepers, both of whom will expect meaningful roles as the season progresses.
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