Transfer Deadline Day in Belgium: Key Moves and Drama

The Belgian summer transfer window ended at midnight on 6th September, with several top clubs making last-minute deals.

While the day remained relatively quiet, a few key moves defined the final hours, particularly at Standard Liège and Antwerp. Below, we recap the most important transfers from Deadline Day.

Standard’s Busy Final Day

Standard Liège was one of the busiest clubs on the last day of the window, securing much-needed reinforcements for their attacking line. The Rouches completed the signings of Dennis Eckert Ayensa from Union Saint-Gilloise and Andi Zeqiri from Genk, both on loan deals with purchase options. The club was eager to bolster its forward options after a challenging start to the season, and the arrival of these two players adds depth and versatility to the squad.

On the outgoing front, Grejohn Kyei, who had only recently joined Standard during the summer, was loaned out to Charleroi for the remainder of the season. In addition, Alexis Flips, surplus to requirements at Anderlecht, also moved to Charleroi on loan, further strengthening their squad for the campaign ahead.

Antwerp Completes Praet Deal

At Antwerp, the major focus was on the arrival of Dennis Praet, a former winner of the Golden Shoe in 2014. The deal had been in the works for some time, and official confirmation came on Friday afternoon. Praet, who previously played for clubs such as Anderlecht and Leicester City, signed a two-year contract at Bosuil Stadium, with an option for an additional season. His return to Belgian football is seen as a significant coup for Antwerp, who are eager to build on last season’s success.

Leuven, Dender, and Beerschot Strengthen Their Ranks

Leuven also made headlines on Deadline Day, securing two key signings. Stefan Mitrovic, a winger, and Hasan Kuruçay, a central defender, were both added to the squad, as Leuven looks to solidify its core for the season. These acquisitions reflect the club’s ambition to remain competitive in the Pro League.

Promoted side Dender made a late addition, bringing in Polish defender Karol Fila from Strasbourg, while Beerschot reinforced their attacking line by signing German striker Florian Krüger. Both clubs are aiming to ensure they have the depth and quality required to navigate the challenges of top-flight football.

STVV Brings in Brahimi

STVV (Sint-Truiden) also made a notable signing, securing the services of Billal Brahimi, a French-Algerian winger on loan from Nice. The 23-year-old brings pace and creativity to the team, qualities that could significantly impact their fortunes this season.

A Quiet Day Overall

Despite the flurry of late moves, the overall tone of Deadline Day was quieter than expected. Many clubs had completed their primary business earlier in the window, leaving fewer dramatic last-minute transfers than in previous years. However, the moves made by Standard, Antwerp, and others suggest that some clubs may have saved their best for last.

As the Belgian Pro League continues, all eyes will be on how these new signings integrate into their respective teams and their impact on the 2024/25 season.