The winter transfer period will officially open its doors next Monday and several teams from the Jupiler Pro League want to strengthen their selections. This also applies to defending champion Antwerp FC. The Great Old would even consider a stunt transfer.
The number one team has had a formidable 2023, in which it won the national title, cup and super cup. In addition, Antwerp was allowed to celebrate its debut in the Champions League. But that competition turned out to be a bit too ambitious. Only on the final day of the group stage was RAFC able to avoid a scoreless elimination.
In the meantime, Antwerp also suffered damage in its own competition. After last Wednesday’s clear defeat against KRC Genk, the reigning champions have fallen to sixth place. The gap to leader Union SG is already 16 points after 20 match days.
Looking for a new playmaker
In order to catch up, some extra quality is welcome. Especially because the club may have to sell some strong players in January due to financial necessity. Arthur Vermeeren, for example, although in his case they are aiming for a construction in which he will complete the season in Antwerp. In addition, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp was linked to Italian side Torino.
And while the alternatives as an attacking midfielder are already quite limited. Coach Mark van Bommel is therefore hoping for reinforcement in this position. “We don’t have many options centrally. With Jacob Ondrejka and Michel-Ange Balikwisha we can move, but that is not the most ideal scenario. If the opportunity presents itself, we will strengthen ourselves,” the trainer said recently.
Return of Golden Shoe?
And it seems that the club management plans to grant Van Bommel’s wish. For example, transfer watcher Sacha Tavolieri reports that Antwerp is considering the arrival of Dennis Praet. The former Golden Boot currently plays for Leicester City, but is not in the plans of coach Enzo Maresco and can be played in January.
The Belgian champion would therefore like to benefit from this. The Antwerp board is said to have already inquired about his situation and the possible transfer conditions. It is not clear whether RAFC is aiming for a permanent transfer or a loan. Much depends on the financial conditions and on the outgoing transfer traffic at the Bosuil.
???????? Infos #market :
???? Dennis Praet back on the radar of the Royal Antwerp FC! The #RAFC officials has taken attention and information to the current situation of the Belgian midfielder for this winter…
⏳ Wait&See. JPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#JPL #LCFC #Championship pic.twitter.com/uO1zNlC4oI— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) December 28, 2023
2023-12-28 22:38:00
#JPL #top #club #transfer #stunt #Dennis #Praet
