Belgian Pro League 2024/2025 Preview: Westerlo | OneFootball

Westerlo were involved in a farcical draw with Genk to end the regular season that saw them avoid finishing in the bottom four. Rik De Mil took the fall for what happened, ending up at Charleroi. Westerlo have since pinched Timmy Simons from recently promoted Dender and will hope he can bring the same success he did there on a small budget to the club. So far, the transfer business has been the same as in the past, signing very young players to join an already very young squad with a handful of experienced heads.

Last seasons position: 11th

Transfers in: Julian Placias (North Carolina), Luka Vuskovic (Hadjuk Split, loan), Emir Ortakaya (Fenerbahçe, loan)

Transfers out: Pietro Perdichizzi (Lierse), Simon Paulet (Olympique Charleroi), Ilias El Hari (MVV Maastricht), Karol Borys (Maribor, loan), Kyan Vaesen (Willem II, loan), Jan Bernat (Dunajska Streda, loan), Fernand Goure (Zurich, loan), Nacer Chadli (free)

Overview:

Westerlo tried to rely on youth and spent a lot of money last summer with very little return. This year, they have only signed players 20 or younger, but not spent as much. The club have the infrastructure to be a solid mid table side pushing for a European ticket via play-off two, but this season will depend on how well the young players develop. Matija Frigan, their big summer signing from last year, needs to show he was worth the money the invested.

One bright spark was USMNT winger Griffin Yow, who is currently with the USA team at the Olympics and will be missed to star the season. Lucas Stassin also showed moments, but at 19-years-old has plenty of time to develop still. Nicolas Madsen led the side last season from central areas, scoring a career best 14 goals. While many of these were from the penalty spot, Madsen still looked a decent player that is probably on a few shortlists across Europe.

In goal, the side look set to persist with Sinan Bolat for another season. The 35-year-old looked past his best at times last season, and it is surprising that a new goalkeeper has not been signed yet.

Westerlo could, quite easily, be involved in a relegation scrap once again. If the young players can live up to their potential this season, they could be a really exciting team to watch. If not, they may look like a side without leadership and have to splash some cash in January.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson