Finish position:ย 5th
Overview:
Antwerp missed out on European football with almost the last kick of the Pro League season. The defeat to Charleroi in the play-off clash for the final European ticket will have real ramifications on the side going into the 2025/2026 campaign. That the side, clearly in transition, were able to make it into the top six was a positive sign. However, not achieving European football when having the advantage of playing at home is a real disappointment. The sacking of Jonas De Roeck just prior to the play offs seemed strange, with his replacement Andries Ulderink hardly improving things. It appears that, for the former, off the field issues proved too much for the board.
Player of the Season:ย Tjaronn Chery
Former QPR man Tjaronn Chery, at the age of 37, was one of the signings of the season. Off the back of a strong half season in the Eredivisie with NEC, the winger/attacking midfielder scored 18 goals in 45 games while also providing seven assists. It looks like it may just be a one season wonder for Antwerp, as Chery could be moving back to the Netherlands this summer.
Young Player of the Season:ย Mahamadou Doumbia
Doumbia really solidified himself this season with the side. The 21-year-old Malian central midfielder scored three goals and grabbed two assists as he stepped into the shoes of Mandela Keita. He certainly looks to be a great prospect with an eye for the spectacular.
Summer needs:
Itโs likely that a few of the higher earners will be sold this summer. They will certainly need to be replaced, especially if one of those is striker Vincent Janssen. If he and Chery leave the side will be struggling for goals. First of all though, they need to find a new head coach. If they can snatch Rik De Mil from Charleroi then fans will likely be feeling positive going into the new Pro League campaign.
Grade:ย C
GBeNeFNย |ย Ben Jackson
