The imminent departure of Mandela Keita creates an unpleasant situation at OH Leuven. The young midfielder, who is aiming for a definitive transfer to Antwerp, is not participating in the matches for the time being.
Milan Augustijns, David Van Den Broeck
Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 3:06 PM
Don’t expect Mandela Keita (21) next weekend at OH Leuven. The Belgian defensive midfielder did not play in the two practice matches on stage and will not play against Charleroi. It has to do with the fact that he returned from vacation later (because of the U23 European Championship), but the fact is that he is also waiting for a transfer and prefers to avoid risks. He still maintains a professional attitude, but clarity is needed.
As is known, Antwerp is still pressing for him, because last week it made an offer of more than 5.5 million euros and Mark van Bommel would like to see him return after his loan last season. That feeling is mutual. Keita also prefers Antwerp. He can also count on interest from abroad, but as long as those clubs only want to rent him with a purchase option, such as Genoa, that is not interesting. Keita would like to see everything come around quickly with the Great Old, but that will depend on his bosses at OHL. They hope to catch 8 million. Do they water the wine?
Marc Brys: “It all has to stay in balance”
“It makes sense that he is careful in training and in matches, because it is about money,” says OHL coach Marc Brys. “But as far as I’m concerned, it has never been formally decided not to use him in the coming weeks. It remains one of our players. Mandela must realize that he is still an OHL player who has duties to the club. It all has to be somewhat balanced.”
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Brys hopes for a quick breakthrough. “It is important for OHL, for Mandela and for myself that a decision is made quickly,” he says. “Rather today than tomorrow. We must be able to move on. Fortunately, all parties are fair, so I do expect a solution.”
READ ALSO. Marc Brys razes newcomers to OHL to the ground: “They are completely out of place with their condition. I get pissed off about that”
