Zulte Waregem Belgian Pro League 2025/2026 Preview | OneFootball

Overview:

After two seasons in the Challenger Pro League, Zulte Waregem are back in the top flight of Belgian football. The club, who rose to prominence under Francky Dury, are now forging a new path under Sven Vandenbroek. The club will want to build themselves back up into being a solid mid table outfit, but ensuring a first year without relegation will be key. The big question is, can 36-year-old Jelle Vossen carry the side one more time?

Transfers in: Tobias Hedl (Rapid Wien), Serxho Ujka (FC Egnatia), Thomas Claes (Genk), Enrique Lofolomo (Viktoria Köln), Brent Garbriel (Lokeren), Wilguens Paugain (SKN St Polten)

Transfers out: Pape Demba Diop (Strasbourg), Nicolas Rommens (Lommel), Dylan Demuynck (Lierse, loan)

Key player: Jelle Vossen

Despite being 36, Vossen was a key player for Zulte Waregem last season. The veteran forward grabbed 16 goals in 27 games to fire the side towards promotion. At the moment, he is the only player with real Pro League experience and quality, but can he still perform at this level? Zulte Waregem will certainly be hoping so.

Young player to watch: Thomas Claes

Claes has had three seasons playing regular football in the Challenger Pro League with Jong Genk. While a path to the first team with Genk may not have been available, there should certainly be a way for him to get Pro League game time at Zulte Waregem. Claes has an eye for a goal and can create chances, something Zulte Waregem will need him to do after Pape Demba Diop’s departure to Ligue 1.

Transfer window needs:

Another striker to relieve the pressure on Vossen and then some more experience in key areas like central midfield and defence. Anton Tanghe has Pro League experience, but he never fully convinced while at the level with Oostende. Vandenbroeck has called for more reinforcements and he will hope that, come the end of the window, he has a squad capable of staying in the Pro League.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson