Racing Genk continues to prey on Anderlecht goalkeeper Hendrik Van Crombrugge (30). A loan is no longer on the table. Both clubs are negotiating a final transfer, although Limburg’s patience is not endless. The vice champion is therefore also looking at other options.
The negotiations between RC Genk and Anderlecht about the experienced goalkeeper have been dragging on for some time. Van Crombrugge even sat in the stands for a few matches during the Champions’ Play-offs. The Limburg club is looking for an experienced goalkeeper, not only because the Champions League preliminary rounds are approaching and Maarten Vandevoordt will return later due to the U21 European Championship, but it also wants someone who can compete with him. It has not yet been said that Vandevoordt, who will complete his transfer to Red Bull Leipzig next year, will simply win the competition.
Within Genk there is also a lot of faith in the young Mike Penders. The intention is to have the 17-year-old youth product keep a season in Jong Genk and then let him compete next year with an experienced goalkeeper for the spot under the crossbar. Genk sees a reliable key piece in Van Crombrugge and someone who also has good feet. To date, however, little progress has been made.
Racing Genk is looking for an experienced competitor for Maarten Vandevoordt. © BELGA
Initially rent
Initially, Genk only wanted to rent and it got the impression that the Purple & White wanted to cooperate. Jesper Fredberg, CEO Sports of Purple & White, apparently saw it differently. During the talks, both parties seemed to grow closer together at the same pace, yet an agreement is still a long way off today. Sealing the departure of Bart Verbruggen to Brighton will not have helped: Anderlecht is not in the thick of the keepers.
Genk is therefore now aiming for a definitive transfer from Van Crombrugge, but wants clarity quickly. On July 25, it will play in the second preliminary round of the Champions League against Servette Geneva and Wouter Vrancken would prefer to have an extra goalkeeper at his disposal. Impatience is increasing, which means that Genk is now exploring several options.
© Photo News
Nice step
Van Crombrugge sees a transition to the Cegeka Arena, after four seasons with Anderlecht, as a good step. In Brussels, the single Red Devil had lost his place to Verbruggen – a decision that ultimately earned Anderlecht a lot of money. The former captain, who has been stuck in the Lotto Park for another two years, has been on the bench since January. He even acted as an interim goalkeeper coach.
Meanwhile, things remain quiet in Genk on the outgoing front. At Anderlecht, money has become available through the lucrative deal of Verbruggen. Apart from Dolberg, Anderlecht still wants to bring a handful of newcomers to Brussels. The search for a new first keeper is in full swing. Colin Coosemans recently extended his contract and becomes second goalkeeper.
READ Is there life after Thibaut Courtois? These goalkeepers are in the balance to become (in the long term) first goalkeeper at Red Devils (+)
© Photo News
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2023-07-03 19:12:17
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