Sint-Truiden set for summer of transition with at least 11 players potentially out of contract

It has been known for a while that Sint-Truiden will be searching for a new head coach to lead them in the 2023/2024 season. However, it looks increasingly likely that whoever takes over will have a very different squad to the one Bernd Hollerbach is currently in charge of.

Looking at those players whose contracts have been disclosed, the side are set to potentially lose 11 players in the summer. Some of these are on loan, whereas others are more veteran players who look set to be let go. Club captain Toni Leistner has announced he will be leaving, but other veterans such as Kenny Steppe, Jorge Texeira and Shinji Okazaki are all out of contract in the summer.

Other important players who still have much to offer have also not had their contracts renewed. Mory Konate has been an impressive presence in the midfield and was missed when injured. Robert Bauer, while sometimes prone to on the pitch disciplinary issues, has also put in some good performances. Bauer was linked to a move to the middle-east during the 2022 summer transfer window, which may now materialise without the need for a transfer fee. Woke Jannssens, who has been somewhat of a swiss-army-knife for Hollerbach, is also out of contract. At 28, he is still in his prime and his versatility will likely attract a number of other sides in Belgium.

Of the many players loaned in, Gianni Bruno will be sorely missed. He still has one year on his Gent contract and will likely be on the move again in the summer, yet many other clubs will want to bring in the Sint-Truiden top scorer. Frank Boya, who stepped in for Konate and has also played alongside the Guinea international, is also set to return to Antwerp. Like Bruno he will be surplus to requirements at the Great Old. Sint-Truiden could more than likely go back in for another loan deal for Boya, who like Bruno remains under contract with Antwerp until 2024.

Depending on resources available to a new head coach, this could be a project that some may be interested in. They will have the chance to forge a side that they want, bringing in players that suit their style of play. With all the departures, an entire new defence and midfield would be required.

Under Hollerbach, the side have been strong defensively but hardly eye catching going forward. With the majority of that squad on their way out, this summer could see Sint-Truiden transition from a defensive side into something very different. The club have promised to announce a successor in April, which will give us a better indication of the direction they want to go.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

More European Football News