Westerlo have seen top scorer from last season Matija Frigan leave the side to join Serie A side Parma. The Croatian forward, who was linked with a move to Hull City earlier in the window, scored 14 goals for the club last season. Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad following the transfer, Westerlo head coach Issame Charaï was talking about how they will replace Frigan going forward.
Instead of calling for a new signing, Charaï is hoping that players already in the squad will be able to step up to replace the departing forward. One player that joined the club in the summer, and someone that Charaï mentioned in the interview, is Nacho Ferri. The former Rangers coach said ‘With Nacho Ferri, the club has already anticipated Matija’s departure, and with Kyan (Vaesen) we also have someone who can play in that position. If another attacker joins, it shouldn’t come at the expense of the other positions‘.
Ferri spent last season on loan at Kortrijk from Eintracht Frankfurt. The young Spanish forward scored eight goals in 34 games as Kortrijk were relegated from the Pro League. Ferri has already played three games for Westerlo this season, grabbing one assist.
Vaesen spent last season on loan in the Eredivisie with Willem II. In 32 games for the club, who were also relegated last season, the striker scored six goals and grabbed four assists. Vaesen has never scored more than six goals in a season but has already gotten one goal to start this campaign. The 24-year-old scored in the opening day defeat to Anderlecht.
Westerlo also have attacking midfielder/striker Isa Sakamoto. The 21-year-old Japanese has been playing just behind the strikers so far this campaign but can play up front if required. He too has already scored one goal this season.
Westerlo will face Cercle Brugge this weekend, with their opponents yet to score a goal in the Pro League.
