In their constant search for the next big talent, Belgian (top level) clubs generally do not miss a single opportunity. This statement apparently does not entirely apply to RSC Anderlecht, KRC Genk and Union.
Het Nieuwsblad reports that, unlike their competitors, these teams are not present at the TransferRoom Summit in Istanbul, where Club Brugge, La Gantoise, Antwerp and Standard are represented, among others. In total, no less than 24 football experts from our country visited Turkey.
Preparing for the winter transfer window
This large gathering brings together almost the entire elite of European football, as well as club leaders from Mexico and Saudi Arabia, for example. Everyone comes to network on the principle of speed dating, which lasts 15 minutes each.
Clubs can indicate in advance who they would like to sit with at the table. “This is the ideal opportunity for football clubs to prepare for the winter transfer window,” believes Het Nieuwsblad, who notes that the teams present are in direct contact with each other and therefore do not need to agents.
The paper also gives some examples of successful transfers that happened this way. The example of Ilenikhena It was therefore during one of these summits that Antwerp managed to obtain the arrival of George Ilenikhena, who then brought home the jackpot. “So who knows, maybe Istanbul will once again bring new golden nuggets to Belgian football,” concludes Het Nieuwsblad.
An opportunity ignored by Anderlecht, Genk and the Union
In the case of Limburg, who are on a good run and are led by Dimitri de Condé, this is perhaps not entirely illogical. Despite a slightly less good campaign so far, the Union has also recently proven that it is capable of discovering the best talents itself, while its Brussels neighbors have only recently hired Olivier Renard.
