Pieter Gerkens could prove to be a smart pick up for Cercle Brugge | OneFootball

Last week, alongside a head coaching change, Cercle Brugge announced the signing of 30-year-old midfielder Pieter Gerkens. The former Antwerp and Anderlecht man joins on loan from Gent. Gerkens is certainly not the usual signing at Cercle, where most players who come in are very much under the age of 23. However, after struggling last season with a young side, signing a player like Gerkens could prove to be a smart pick up.

The midfielder has had an eye for a goal, but has never quite been able to replicate the form he showed with Sint Truiden. The 2016/2017 campaign was a real breakthrough for Gerkens, who scored 14 goals in 39 games. He has yet to hit double figures since, and part of that may be due to the fact he has been a squad player for clubs like Antwerp, Anderlecht and Gent. All three have had better players in his position, meaning Gerkens has been unable to put a consistent season together.

Yet, an no offence to Cercle as a club, Gerkens move to a side that aren’t expected to reach the top six and European football each season could help. He brings experience in the league, something the side is desperate for. He can chip in with goals, something the side are also in dire need of since Kevin Denkey moved to the MLS.

Cercle might also benefit from the fact that Gerken’s contract is up with Gent in 2027. Gent don’t want to keep him, so Gerkens is now playing for his own future and should be motivated to show Cercle and other sides in Belgium the he is worth bringing in.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson