Belgian Pro League 2024/2025 Preview: Antwerp | OneFootball

Things are going to look very different this season in Antwerp. Mark van Bommel has gone, and its likely that he will be joined by a number of other players before the window closes. In comes Jonas De Roeck, formerly of Westerlo. The club has not been looking to splash the cash like it has in recent years, instead looking to bring in cheaper options and use the academy, which has produced a few talented players in past seasons. However, despite all this, fans will be expecting a crack at European football after missing out last season.

Last seasons position: 6th

Transfers in: Denis Odoi (Club Brugge), Mandela Keita (OH Leuven), Gyrano Kerk (Dynamo Moscow), Tjaronn Chery (Maccabi Haifa), Rosen Bozhinov (CSKA 1948), Ayrton Costa (Independiente)

Transfers out: Dorian Dessoleil (Francs Borains), Ritchie De Laet (retired), Davino Verhulst (free)

Overview:

While the club opted to make the loan move of Keita from OH Leuven permanent, it is expected that he will leave this summer. Likewise, goalkeeper Jean Butez will be allowed to depart and Anderlecht are already interested. The side have got experience in Chery and Odoi, both of him are well into their 30s but have shown an ability to perform.

There is certainly enough talent in the squad to be one of the top six sides this season. They have goals in Vincent Janssen and George Ilenikhena, while the likes of Jacob Ondrejka and Michel Ange Balikwisha can chip in from out wide, although the latter has been linked with a move to Celtic. Toby Alderweireld will lead the side at the back, with youngsters Zeno Van Den Bosch and Kobe Corbaine likely to feature.

Under De Roeck, Antwerp could be an entertaining team to watch. His Westerlo sides played attractive football and hopefully Antwerp can do the same. The trophies of recent years may not be there straight away, but this could still be a successful season for the Great Old.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson