Antwerp pull out of deal for former Manchester City and Schalke 04 defender | OneFootball

HLN are reporting that Antwerp have decided against bringing in 32-year-old central defender Matija Nastasic. The Serbian was in Antwerp to complete medicals yesterday, but negotiations on the financial aspects of the contract has seen the club pull out of the deal. Nastasic was a free agent after leaving Spanish side Leganes at the end of the previous season. Antwerp are in need of a central defender, but they clearly do not want to overspend without any European football this season.

Club captain and Belgian football legend Toby Aldeweireld’s decision to retire last season means that the club suddenly look very young and inexperienced at the back. Nastasic, formerly of Manchester City and Schalke 04, would have been a good signing to replace the experience that the former Spurs defender Alderweireld was taking with him. The side face defending champions Union St Gilloise on Friday evening in the opening game of the Belgian Pro League 2025/2026 season.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson