Cercle Brugge Belgian Pro League 2025/2026 Preview | OneFootball

Overview:

After a disappointing 2024/2025 campaign, Cercle Brugge are looking to get back on track this season. Despite Bernd Storck keeping the side up, they have looked to return to the formula that brought them success. Storck is out, and Onur Cinel is in. The young German will be under some pressure to bring success back to Cercle Brugge with the development of young talent, of which there is plenty in the squad to start the season. However, he will be without club captain and heart beat of the side from last year Thibo Somers, who left to join Antwerp.

Transfers in: Edan Diop (Monaco), Krys Kouassi (Amiens), Erick Nunes (Flamingo), Ibrahima Diaby (PSG), Valy Konate (Monaco), Pieter Gerkens (Gent)

Transfers out: Thibo Somers (Antwerp), Felipe Augusto (Trabzonspor), Boris Popovic (Arouca),

Key player: Abu Francis

Francis may well not be with Cercle Brugge by the end of the window, but if he is, the 24-year-old from Ghana will be a key player for the side. They have strength in the midfield but Francis has that extra bit of quality. His fitness has returned, making 49 appearances last season with a goal and four assists. Francis is a big presence in the midfield, strong on the ball and great at trying to win it back.

Young player to watch: Abdoul Ouattara

Cercle Brugge have so many young players that you could fit loads into this spot. Burkina Faso winger Ouattara showed glimpses of what he could do last season, with four goals in 15 games. He will need to show more for a side lacking in goals and having lost their top scorer in Somers from last season. Going into his third season with the club, now seems like a good time for him to become a regular for the first team.

Transfer window needs:

While the midfield looks strong, Cercle Brugge need to bring in some experience at the back and upfront. They have no real experience outside of Edgaras Utkus and Christiaan Ravych at the back, and after last season the club should have realised you need some players with more years under their belt in this position. Someone up front who can potentially grab 10-15 goals a season would be a huge help. That may be Steve Ngoura, but it would be risky to put all of their eggs in that one basket.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson