Belgian Pro League 2024/2025 Preview: KV Mechelen | OneFootball

Mechelen only narrowly missed out on finishing in the top six after a sensational end to the regular season. They ran out of gas in the play-offs, and hopes will be that they start a lot better this time around to avoid having to put together such a run. Besnik Hasi left, then returned, all in one summer. The money isn’t there to bring massive changes to the squad, so they are reliant on scouting and finding value where they can.

Last seasons position: 8th

Transfers in: Jules Van Cleemput (Charleroi), Jose Marsa (FC Andorra), Petter Nosa Dahl (Bodø/Glimt), Ortwin De Wolf (Zulte Waregem), Aziz Ouattara (Genk)

Transfers out: Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Dimitri Lavalee (Sturm Graz), Alec Van Hoorenbeeck (FC Twente), Boli Bolingoli (Standard Liege), Dirk Asare (free), Gaëtan Coucke (free), Islam Slimani (free), Jannes Van Hecke (free), Mohammed Amin Doudah (free)

Overview:

While Mechelen have done decent business without having much money to spend, it is clear that they need a striker. Islam Slimani did a good job for the last six months, but at 36-years-old, he was never going to be a long term option. Can the returning Julien Ngoy have better success under Hasi? Or will they look to bring Norman Bassette back in from Caen. The young forward is already attracting interest from elsewhere.

It is expected that David Bates will leave, with Zinho Vanheusden replacing him. When fit, that is certainly a defensive upgrade, but the when fit part is the key for the former Standard and current Inter defender. Rob Schoofs remains one of the best midfielders in the Pro League and, at the age of 30, is unlikely to leave anytime soon. Daam Foulon at left-back was the bright spark last season of the new signings, and if he can continue that form the left-hand side of Mechelen’s attack should be strong.

Another player to look out for this season is Bilal Bafdili. The 19-year-old impressed off the bench last season and may well force his way into the starting line-up during the 2024/2025 campaign.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson