Het Nieuwsblad are reporting that Gent have won the race to sign Japanese central defender Tsuyoshi Watanabe from Kortrijk. The Buffaloes are set to pay €3.5m to bring the player to Gent ahead of the 2023/2024 season. Gent have needed another central defensive reinforcement after they lost former Cameroon captain Michael Ngadeu who left Belgium to join Beijing Guoan in China.
Watanabe played every minute this season, with Gent hoping that they can overcome an injury crisis that cost them a place in the top four and perhaps even better during the 2022/2023 season. They did manage to win play-off two and will now have to go through the qualification rounds for the Europa Conference League.
Outgoings are also expected at the club, with Gift Orban one that is attracting a lot of interest. Lille are leading the race to sign the striker, although Gent are indicating that it will take an offer they cannot refuse as they want to keep the striker for next season.
