Szalai, Benkovic…
In defense, several avenues are studied and discussed to strengthen a sector decimated by numerous injuries. As a reminder, Giulian Biancone (Olympiakos) and Matej Maglica (Darmstadt) have notably been viewed in recent months, but these files seem to be closed at present.
Internally, the name of Attila Szalai (26 years old) came up, but the Hungarian defender from Hoffenheim, notably formerly with Fenerbahçe (2021-2023), has not played since March…
Ivan Leko’s priority is actually… Croatian. His name: Filip Benkovic. Free since the end of his contract at Udinese six months ago, the central defender listened attentively to the Liège proposal. At 27 years old, and despite a certain CV (Dinamo Zagreb, Leicester, OHL, Udinese, Trabzonspor…) he is today inclined to reduce his financial demands to ensure playing time. He also arouses the interest of Panathinaikos . The Standard is hopeful of convincing him and the matter could be resolved within the week.
Ndenge among the profiles observed
In the midfield, the loan of Hakim Sahabo to Beerschot is imminent. The player had his medical examination this Monday. Leko no longer counted on him.
The other midfield player who could leave in January, because management needs money, is Isaac Price. It arouses interest in England.
Standard: Isaac Price, hidden or overrated talent?
Management is of course examining several profiles to replace him. Including that of Tsiy Ndenge, observed recently, according to our information. Cameroonian, 27 years old, playing for Grasshoppers Zurich and whose contract expires next June. Still with this idea of strengthening the axis of the game, its strong profile of box-to-box pleases.
Negotiations for Hountondji… that Antwerp also wants
Finally, in attack, Ivan Leko wants depth and percussion. The rumor from Senegalese Pape Meïssa Ba (Grenoble, 27 years old) appears unfounded. On the other hand, one profile has indeed been validated: that of Andreas Hountondji, currently under contract at Burnley. The Beninese international (8 caps) has not made his mark there since his transfer from Caen last summer for 4 million euros. He wants to relaunch in the second half of the season after playing only 206 minutes in the Championship.
Hannes Delcroix, Mike Trésor, Manuel Benson… where have the Belgians from Burnley gone?
This Monday, negotiations were well advanced for a dry loan. But Standard is not alone in this. Indeed, Kortrijk and especially Antwerp are closely following the file. The Antwerp club is actively looking for a competitor in Vincent Janssen and has relaunched the Hountondji track, already attempted last summer. At the time, the player favored Burnley, while Saint-Etienne also submitted an offer.
During the negotiations, Burnley offered Hannes Delcroix to Standard.
In the negotiations, Antwerp is offering greater salary coverage, and has a potentially decisive argument: Jacob Ondrejka. The Swedish winger interests Burnley… Will the English club try to integrate him into the transaction? We also know that Burnley is examining the market to lend its defender Hannes Delcroix (ex-Anderlecht), often injured and in dire need of playing time. He was offered to Standard…
Nacer Chadli will finish the season with SL16 FC
Still in the offensive area, the RSCL will probably try to find a solution for Muhammed Badamosi, who is not convincing, and perhaps for Soufiane Benjdida, who would fall down the hierarchy if Hountondji arrives. We also know that Daan Dierckx and Brahim Ghalidi will not be selected.
