Royal Antwerp FC had a fantastic year in terms of sport. Title, cup, super cup and qualification for the Champions League. It couldn’t be better in Belgium. Yet the club’s financial situation is gradually taking a dramatic turn.
Last year, Antwerp recorded a loss of 31.5 million euros. Everyone expected things to get better afterwards, as the club managed to complete some lucrative transfers and reached the Champions League.
Another heavy loss
Nothing is less true. After all, Antwerp will soon present blood-red figures again. These would be well above 40 million euros. Several sources report this. It is therefore no coincidence that Arthur Vermeeren was sold for big money.
Antwerp could only hire Eliot Matazo from AS Monaco this mercato. The fact that Michael Frey was able to discharge was also a blessing. He had a very heavy contract. Ortwin De Wolf and Sam Vines also left.
Departures in the summer
Antwerp must reach European football. They would prefer to finish in the top two, but that will be very difficult. The team emerged from the mercato weakened. It has already been established that the Great Old will sell players again in the summer. Someone like Mandela Keita already seems to be a big contender. They would also rather be rid of Jean Butez, due to financial necessity. And will Georges Ilenikhena stay if he impresses in the coming months?
Antwerp lived beyond its means for years because of Paul Gheysens. Off the field, the club has not yet grown, partly due to the stadium file. We are curious whether Marc Overmars will really return after his one-year suspension and does Mark van Bommel want to go even further in this setting?
2024-02-02 20:02:00
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