Club Brugge have signed experienced Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer as their new No 1, replacing Simon Mignolet. The 37-year-old shot-stopper has joined on a three-year deal from Inter Milan, where he struggled for form last season.

What Sommer brings to Jan Breydel

With Sommer, Club Brugge land a keeper who has racked up nearly 100 caps for Switzerland and spent nine years at Mönchengladbach plus three in Milan. His résumé also includes a brief interim spell at Bayern Munich. At 37, he’s no spring chicken, yet remains one of Europe’s most disciplined goalkeepers.

Serie A expert Willem Haak sees Sommer as a strong fit for the Belgian league. "He trains hard, does yoga and keeps pushing himself to stay at the top at his age," Haak told Sporza. "With him, Club Brugge bring in a leader." His ball-playing skills earned him the nickname "bonsai keeper" in the Netherlands because of his 1.83 m frame.

Why Sommer is a good match for Club Brugge

Haak highlights Sommer’s excellence in distributing the ball. "At Inter he was often the reason the team could play out from the back. A keeper is more important in that role than we sometimes realise," the expert explains. Still, Sommer’s form dipped last season: more errors, fewer points for Inter. "But at Club Brugge, who sit a level below, he can still make an impact," Haak predicts.

The Swiss struggled to stop shots last term, yet his experience and leadership make him a valuable signing. "For Club Brugge and the Belgian league he’s still a top keeper," Haak said. Sommer has signed for three years and could play two more at this level, according to the pundit.

What fans can expect

Fans should expect a more secure Sommer, Haak reckons. "With all due respect, Club Brugge compete at a level below Inter. There he’ll still pick up points." The keeper is also strong at saving penalties and commands his box despite his height.

Club Brugge currently sit seventh in the Jupiler Pro League with zero points, having scored and conceded nothing so far.