This summer, Anderlecht hoped to cash in a nice sum with the sale of Anders Dreyer, aiming for a sale price of at least 10 million euros – and even 15 million in the most optimistic dreams. Last season, the Danish striker impressed with 21 goals and 9 assists, but this season, he has long struggled to find this level. Exhausted after an intense season and with little rest, he struggled to be decisive. The arrival of Samuel Edozie as a direct competitor should help him regain his effectiveness.
Dreyer is getting back on track after an up-and-down season
Since October, Dreyer finally seems to be getting back into shape. Under the leadership of coach David Hubert, he was actively involved in six goals in his last four matches, with decisive actions against Ludogorets, Club Brugge, Tubize and KV Kortrijk. This renewed efficiency gives hope for a return to last season’s level, or even an interesting transfer opportunity.
Anderlecht and Fredberg were aiming big: 15 million hoped for
This summer, Jesper Fredberg, then CEO Sports, did not want to sell Dreyer off for less than ten million euros. The Future even reported that the manager hoped to triple the initial investment of 4 million euros. Some sources even mentioned a sum of 15 million euros, a sale which would have balanced the accounts and made it possible to generate a larger transfer budget for the club. This ambition was justified, because there was no indication that Dreyer could repeat his performances from last season.
The Edozie effect: Dreyer finds motivation again
Dreyer’s crisis of form can partly be explained by an intensive series of competitions. After Euro 2024 with the Danish selection and only two weeks of rest, he returned to training on July 18, just nine days before Anderlecht’s first official match. According to an analysis of The MorningDreyer was even considered the disappointment of this start to the season at Anderlecht. To revive it, Anderlecht therefore recruited Samuel Edozie from Southampton on loan, in order to provide direct competition.
Dreyer back in force: 6 decisive actions in 4 matches
In early October, after David Hubert was confirmed as head coach, Dreyer began to regain his effectiveness. Although he lost a place in the hierarchy due to the rise of Edozie and youngster Tristan Degreef, he had his best game of the season against Real Sociedad. Against Ludogorets he scored the decisive 2-0 goal and was involved in three goals in the Cup against Tubize.
So, Dreyer is showing encouraging signs of returning to form. It remains to be seen whether this dynamic will continue and whether it will be able to allow Anderlecht to hit the hoped-for jackpot.
