RSC Anderlecht is bracing for significant player transfers and departures this winter, aiming to reshape its squad as the looming transfer deadline approaches. After struggles on the pitch, the club is making it clear: certain players must seek new destinations.
One of the prominent names on the exit list is midfielder Amadou Diawara. The 27-year-old, who joined from Napoli for €21 million when he signed with AS Roma, has fallen dramatically out of favor under coach Brian Riemer. Since December 2023, Diawara has not featured at all, effectively becoming what some call a 'ghost player' at the club. His high salary—reportedly around €1.5 million per season—has only added to RSC Anderlecht's urgency to find him a new home.
Rumors suggest Ferencvaros may be interested, providing the Brussels club with hope of shedding Diawara’s hefty wage burden before his contract expires next year. According to sources, "Diawara must absolutely leave the capital this winter," indicating the severity of the situation for the club's finances.
While Diawara’s situation seems complicated, the potential departure of Mathias Jörgensen, lovingly known as Zanka, is also on the agenda. Jörgensen had previously arrived with hopes of making his mark, yet dissatisfaction has gripped both the player and the supporters after his underwhelming performances. Despite being seen as experienced talent, Zanka’s contributions have largely disappointed, leading to mounting pressure resulting from poor displays, particularly with recent mockery during home games.
After initially placing his trust in the coaching staff, particularly Riemer, Jörgensen's circumstances shifted when the coaching hierarchy changed. His bond with Riemer, who previously acknowledged Jörgensen’s qualities when he joined, is no longer applicable, complics the defender's position. "He is one of the most influential coaches in my career. He sees my qualities and believes in me," Jörgensen commented previously, showing his reliance on Riemer’s support to shine.
Considering the expected departure of other personnel, RSC Anderlecht is also keeping tabs on Amando Lapage, who has been largely overlooked. The recent performances and erratic use of the academy graduate foreshadow his potential exit as he faces stiff competition. Although some speculate Lapage might be on his way out, recent reports throw some skepticism on this, as Anderlecht needs all hands on deck for their fight against relegation.
Meanwhile, Olivier Renard, Anderlecht’s sporting director, finds himself juggling multiple areas of concern. With high-profile exits seeming imminent, strategies to reinforce the squad defensively are becoming increasingly urgent. Renard will not merely look at cutting costs but also seeks to enrich the roster, recognizing the precarious situation of players like Jan Vertonghen, whose fitness still holds uncertainties.
When asked about the transfer approach, former Anderlecht player Gilles De Bilde shared insights, stressing the necessity for two quality defenders, especially with the continued physical vulnerabilities haunting Vertonghen. He remarked, "A player with such fluctuated performance probably does not deserve a club playing European football," a harsh but fair assessment as Anderlecht seeks stability.
The club's ambitions don’t seem dimmed by adversity; instead, they signal readiness for the challenge. The next few weeks are pivotal, not only for departing players like Diawara and Jörgensen but also for attracting new talent to restore hope among Anderlecht supporters, who have voiced disappointment over the last several months. Only time will tell if Anderlecht's strategies will resonate positively on the pitch.
With the transfer window open, RSC Anderlecht is required to act swiftly to navigate these turbulent waters. Will they find the right deals to refresh their squad and fend off challenges? Only the next developments will reveal the path forward for the team from Brussels.