Beerschot Blades: What happened to the Beerschot four? | OneFootball

With the successful period of first-team football being enjoyed by Blades right-back Femi Seriki who spent time on loan in Belgium. Plus, the takeover speculation that continues to hang over and possibly bore many of us Blades.

It’s a good time to look at the Blades loaned to United’s Belgian sister club, K. Beerschot. V.A. under the United World umbrella.

Femi Seriki 2021

Seriki joined the Belgian Pro League club on 12 August 2021.

Upon joining the Purple and White army Seriki told the club’s media: “A handful of Championship teams were interested to sign me but I prefer to come to Belgium and learn the trade here.”

Unfortunately, Femi’s decision to head to the continent didn’t work out as he had hoped. The Blades youngster made just one appearance for the club. The appearance itself only lasted six minutes.

He found himself recalled by Paul Heckingbottom in November. On 22 March 2022, he departed the club for a more successful loan at Boston United. He played 14 games for the Pilgrims.

Prior to this season, he had a strong spell with Rochdale playing 35 games. Whilst, last season, he gained Championship experience playing 10 matches for Rotherham United.

This season Femi has gone from strength to strength proving to be a dependable right-back at Championship level. His ability providing cover, competition and a more attacking alternative to Alfie Gilchrist.

It is safe to say, he has put the disappointment of his time in Belgium behind him.

Ismaila Coulibaly 2020 – 2022

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Coulibaly, the other current Blade on this list has had almost the reverse of Seriki’s experience as part of United World.

Coulibaly, a highly touted player when the Blades announced his signing, has struggled for minutes in the league at Bramall Lane. All but one of his nine appearances for the Blades have come in cup fixtures.

Whilst, his time in Belgium had seen his most appearances at any club to date. The 23-year old made 44 appearances for Beerschot scoring 5 goals and getting 2 assists.

His two seasons in the Belgian Pro League were as a result of the two club’s partnership. With it announced immediately after his signing with the Blades that he would spend three years on loan at Beerschot.

His first season went well with Coulibaly attracting reported interest from a number of top European clubs. With headlines in March 2021, claiming the Blades would struggle to keep a hold of him.

After making cameos for Paul Heckingbottom in the Blades FA cup run in 2023, Coulibaly left the Blades on loan in 2024 joining Swedish side AIK where he played 13 games. He managed to score twice and assist once for the Allsvenskan side.

Ultimately, the promise he showed when the Blades signed him from Norwegian side Sarpsporg 08 hasn’t translated to playing in red and white. With the likes of Souza, Peck, Hamer and Davies in front of him, it is unlikely, Coulibaly will feature many more times for the Blades.

George Broadbent 2021

(Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Broadbent joined the Blades academy from Manchester United in 2017. In January 2021, he was loaned to Beerschot until the end of the 2020-2021 season.

Six days after signing, Broadbent made his professional debut for Beerschot as they lost 3-0 to Belgian giants Club Brugge. He joined the game as a substitute in the last few minutes.

He would only play one more time for Beerschot before the end of his loan again in the Belgian Pro League.

Since, his loan with Beerschot, Broadbent spent time on loan at Rochdale and Boreham Wood where his game time increased.

In 2023, he left the Blades for an undisclosed fee to join Doncaster Rovers.

So far, he has played 61 games for Rovers, scoring 2 goals and getting 5 assists. He plays alongside Blades legend Billy Sharp for the League 2 promotion hopefuls.

Nicksoen Gomis 2023

The French Blade joined United’s academy in 2018. Gomis became part of the men’s team and was loaned out to Bradford Park Avenue in 2021.

In January 2023, he was loaned to Beerschot and played the majority of his football for their U23s in the Belgian Fourth Division. He played 11 times for the Beerschot U23s scoring twice.

His debut and only game for the Beerschot first team came against RWD Molenbeek on 12 February 2023. He played 21 minutes during the Purple and White army’s 1-0 defeat.

In February 2024, Gomis left the Blades permanently to join MLS side Toronto FC.

Gomis has had a much more successful time with the Canadian-based outfit. He has made 30 appearances in his debut MLS season. His side finished 11th in the Eastern Conference. Whilst, they didn’t make the playoffs it is good to see the former Blade and academy graduate getting plenty of game time. Especially, after his lack of games during his time at Beerschot.

Takeaways

Ultimately, it appears that going on loan to Beerschot hasn’t worked out for any Blades that have made the switch so far. Whilst, Coulibaly had a decent time in Belgium it hasn’t translated to playing time at Bramall Lane.

Plus, the more obvious disappointing loan spells of the other three players is perhaps why there are no current Blades on loan with Dirk Kuyt’s side.

The bright side with hindsight is how Seriki is now performing for the Blades this season. As well as the success that Gomis and Broadbent have found in settling into their respective current clubs. Hopefully, even if it is away from Bramall Lane, Coulibaly can soon do the same.