Kortrijk looked like they were set for relegation until they brought Bernd Storck in during the 2022/2023 season. The German revitalised the side and got the best out of the squad to help them steer clear of relegation. However, what should have been one of the most active and important summers in terms of shaping the squad for 2023/2024 has been majorly disrupted. The shambolic takeover that wasn’t from the Kaminski Group has set the club back weeks in terms of preparation for the new campaign, meaning that they are now playing catch up with the season looming.
Head coach: Ed Still (Eupen)
Transfers in: Martin Wasinski (Charleroi, loan), Lynnt Audoor (Club Brugge, loan)
Transfers out: Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Gent), Faiz Selemani (Al-Hazem), Marko Ilic (Colorado), Kristof D’Haene (Roselare Daisel), Eric Ocansey (KSK Lierse), Kevin Vandendriessche (Francs Borains), Maxim Deman (SK Beveren), Mohamed Badamosi (Čukarički), Sambou Sissoko (Čukarički), Joris Delle (Free), Jonah Osabutey (Free)
Player to watch: Dion De Neve
If the side keep hold of Abdelkahar Kadri, then he would be easily their best player. However, given that he may leave before the close of the transfer window, one player who will be there for most of the season shuold be Dion De Neve. The 22-year-old left local rivals Zulte Waregem last summer to join Kortrijk, but struggled for game time. Now, with so many players gone, he should get more game time and the chance to show what he can do.
Transfer needs:
Kortrijk really need to bring in more players, and more quality. At the moment, their central midfield options are all teenagers outside of Kadri, who himself is just 23 and a more attacking option. They could also do with another goalkeeper, as Tom Vandenberghe is a solid starter but an injury to him would see untested 17-year-old Ebbe De Vlaeminck have to start. Vincent Tan wanted to sell all summer, but until then he may need to invest in order to keep the club as an attractive option for any potential buyer.
Prediction:
At this moment in time, anything but a bottom four finish would be a remarkable achievement for Ed Still. The team needs plenty of reinforcements, as they have lost their best player in Selemani from last season. If they lose Kadri and don’t bring in any replacement, they will certainly be one of the relegation favourites for the season.
