The 2022/2023 season saw Union St Gilloise once again go close to winning the title. They were just minutes away before Club Brugge once again denied them, this time playing spoiler to send the trophy to Antwerp instead of Brussels. Key players have once again moved on, but Union have, in past seasons, found ways to replace outgoings without breaking the bank.
Head coach:Â Alexander Blessin (unattached)
Transfers in: Kevin Mac Allister (Argentinos Juniors), Koki Machida (Kashima Antlers, previously on loan at Union), Mathias Rasmussen (Brann), Charles Vanhoutte (Cercle Brugge), Henok Teklab (Preussen Münster), Fedde Leysen (PSV Eindhoven), Elton Kabangu (Willem II), Noah Sadiki (Anderlecht)
Transfers out: Teddy Teuma (Reims), Ismaël Kandouss (Gent), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen), Siebe van der Heyden (Mallorca), Oussama El Azzouzi (Bologna),
Player to watch:Â Cameron Puertas
Swiss central midfielder Peurtas has had to be patient during his time at Union so far. Teuma, Jean Thierry Lazare and Senne Lynen were the preferred midfield three last season. When the 24-year-old did get a chance, he took it and showed he has bags of ability. It felt like all five of his goals were crucial in either winning games or rescuing a point. With Teuma now gone, Puertas will hopefully be given more opportunities under Blessin to show what he can do.
Transfer needs:
Potentially another striker with Boniface now gone, as they will be hoping that both Banagu and Eckert can fill the void left by the forward. Union have done decent business so far and replaced all that have gone out, so there isn’t any pressing need at the moment or a significant gap in the squad.
Prediction:
It will be hard for Union to have another title charge given what they have lost. Teuma was not just a quality player, he was their leader and drove the team on. However, there is still plenty of talent and leadership in the squad. A top six finish should certainly be possible, as Union have shown they can recruit very well from areas others just don’t seem to be looking. Expect another entertaining side under Blessin, with a trip to the Stade Joseph Marien one for every groundhoppers bucket list.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
