KV Kortrijk is likely to have to strengthen its core so as not to fight against the decline until the end of the season. However, two regular players are already leaving the Stade des Eperons d’Or.
A few days ago, KV Kortrijk announced the rather surprising departure of Takuro Kaneko (27 years old), arrived only 6 months ago and was already returning to the country. Kaneko joined Urawa Red Diamonds for the Japanese off-season, leaving behind a record of 16 games played in the Jupiler Pro League – he had, however, lost his starting status under Yves Vanderhaeghe.
Kaneko’s departure was explained by family reasons: the Japanese recently became a father, but his family remained in the country. He thus returns to his wife and their newborn, which is completely understandable.
But the second announced departure is surprising: in addition to Takuro Kaneko, KV Kortrijk is also parting ways… with his compatriot Tomoki Takamine. Takamine, also 27, started 11 of the 19 Jupiler Pro League matches and was therefore more than likely still part of Yves Vanderhaeghe’s plans.
Takamine joins Sapporo, in Japanese D2, where he had already played in the past. His departure is not explained, but it is perhaps linked to that of his compatriot Tanuko, alongside whom he arrived last summer.
For Kortrijk, it will be a question of strengthening itself, because the Kerels are currently penultimate in JPL, 6 points ahead of Beerschot which is regaining color (relatively, of course) in recent weeks.
