Overview:
Gent finished the 2024/25 in abysmal fashion, losing nine out of their ten Championship playoff matches and scoring just four goals in the process. This campaign, former Standard Liรจge manager Ivan Leko will take charge of The Buffaloโs as they look to make a return to European football. With many outgoings in the transfer window already, itโll be interesting to see how Gent rebuilds their squad.
Transfers in: Wilfred Kanga (Dinamo Zagreb).
Transfers out: Archie Brown (Fenerbahce), Noah Fadiga (Aris Thessaloniki), Jordan Torunarigha (Hamburger SV), Andrew Hjulsager (Vejle BK), Keegan Jelacic (Melbourne Victory), Cรฉlestin De Schrevel (RAAL), Pieter Gerkens (Cercle Brugge โ loan), Nรบrio Fortuna (NFC Volos โ loan), Sven Kums (retired), Louis Fortin (without club).
Key player: Dante Vanzeir
The 27-year-old striker joined Gent in January and registered nine goal contributions in 17 appearances in the second half of the campaign. The former Union forward was one of the bright sparks as Gentโs season petered away, and with a full season ahead, it is widely hoped that he could be the man to fire The Buffalos back into a Continental spot.
Having made just one cap for Belgium back in 2022, Vanzeir is on the right track at Gent if he wants to add to his international tally.
Young player to watch: Mathias Delorge
The 20-year-old midfielder enjoyed a brilliant debut season for Gent following his summer move from Sint-Truiden, making 54 appearances across all competitions. The imposing midfielder registered four goal contributions last season and his adaptability on the pitch is one of his biggest assets, so he is definitely one to keep an eye on during the upcoming season.
Momodou Sonko is another prospect who is worth keeping an eye on. Having signed from Swedish side BK Hรคcken in 2024, he has struggled to find a consistent run of starts over the last season. However, the young talent may flourish under Ivan Lekoโs system, and if he can start to deliver, then he may be on the radar of many top European clubs.
Transfer window needs:
The main talking point of Gentโs window so far is the sale of talented left back Archie Brown to Fenerbahce for โฌ8m. Obtaining a replacement will be tricky yet Gent are also in the market for a central defender to replace Torunarigha. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Voldendam defender Xavier Mbuyamba is a target, for a price of โฌ500k.
Another potential departure is that of Tsuyoshi Watanabe, who has agreed personal terms and is set to have a medical with Feyenoord according to transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri. The influential centre back looks to be heading to De Kuip for โฌ9million, and would be a huge loss for The Buffaloes, which leaves them short on a position that already needs strengthening. If the Buffaloes are to build on from last season, then defensive reinforcements are an absolute priority as the campaign kicks off with their visit to Sint-Truiden on Sunday evening.
