Overview:
Club Brugge may have missed out on title number 20 to Union St Gilloise, but they did manage to pick up a long overdue domestic cup and enjoyed a successful European campaign. This year, expect Nicky Hayen and Club Brugge to challenge on all fronts once again, although they will have to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in a while. The side have seen young talent Chemsdine Talbi join Maxim De Cuyper in moving to the Premier League. Ardon Jashri, despite Club Brugge playing hard ball with AC Milan, is also expected to leave at some point.
Transfers in:ย Carlos Forbs (Ajax), Ludovit Reis (Hamburger SV), Nicolo Tresoldi (Hannover 96)
Transfers out:ย Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton), Illyes Benachour (Sint Truidne), Casper Nielsen (Standard Liege), Ferran Jutgla (Celta Vigo),
Key player:ย Hans Vanaken
This would be Jashari if he wasnโt almost certainly leaving, but Vanaken at 32 is still a vital player for Club. He is ageing like fine wine, with another 12 goal season last time out, alongside 15 assists in 58 games, his best return on that front since 2018/2019. Vanaken is not slowing down just yet and remains one of the best midfielders in terms of scoring and creating for Club Brugge in the Pro League.
Young player to watch:ย Romeo Vermant
After a strong finish to the season last year, Romeo Vermant looks set to be the sides starting striker this year. The 21-year-old forced his way into the first team and ended the campaign with 11 goals in 38 games. He brings a more versatile profile to the sides attack than Gustaf Nilsson and should be even better this year.
Transfer window needs:
Should Jashari or Raphael Onyedika leave, another central midfielder would be a decent move for Club Brugge. Replacing De Cuyper is a must, as Bjorn Meijer is also expected to return to the Netherlands during the window. The Super Cup showed that Club can be competitive as set up, but if they want to be the best team in Belgium, they will need to add a bit more depth in certain areas to compete on all three fronts. Getting rid of some surplus players to make room for more quality and young talent from Club NXT would also be a wise choice for the Club Brugge hierarchy.
GBeNeFNย |ย Ben Jackson
