A Red Devil with name and fame who returns to the roots. In recent years, many internationals have preceded Thorgan Hazard, but is it also a guarantee of success? A look at the past.
Vincent Kompany: no success
The first and also the strongest. In 2019, Vincent Kompany sent a shock wave through Belgian football by returning from Manchester City to Anderlecht as a player-coach.
That combination proved difficult. And due to injuries, Kompany did not get further than eighteen games in his second era for Purple & White. After a new groin injury, the defender put an end to his playing career.
Nacer Chadli: success
Due to the presence of Kompany, Anderlecht also succeeded in bringing Nacer Chadli back to Belgium after 14 years.
The winger came over from Monaco on a rental basis and immediately proved decisive for the Purple & White. His statistics: 8 goals and 5 assists in 19 games – a low number due to injuries and the corona break.
Chadli’s Belgian adventure left us wanting more. After a stopover at Basaksehir, the Red Devil headed to Westerlo. There the experienced pawn is a valued force.
Simon Mignolet: succes
From Liverpool to Club Brugge.
Few transfers were more punishing than those of Simon Mignolet. In 2019, the blue-black took the goalkeeper away from the English top club for 7 million euros.
An investment they would not regret in Bruges. Mignolet has been at a high level for seasons, shined in the historic Champions League campaign and saw it rewarded with the Golden Boot.
Steven Defour: no success
Returned early to Anderlecht for the first time in 2014, but his transfer to Antwerp in 2019 felt more like coming home.
The reunion with sporting boss Luciano D’Onofrio and coach László Bölöni did not live up to expectations. Due to a lot of injuries, Defour did not get further than ten base places and two substitute appearances for the Great Old.
Afterwards, the midfielder went to youth sweetheart KV Mechelen, but again the body sputtered. As a trainer, he then guided Malinwa to a cup final.
Kevin Mirallas: no success
Announced with a big drum, but left through a small back door.
The stunt transfer from Antwerp to bring the transfer-free Kevin Mirallas to our country eventually turned out to be a sof. In 18 games, the flank attacker scored only twice and delivered the same number of assists.
A raid farce with Bölöni was the most memorable moment yet – Mirallas then sulked into the dressing room without subbing.
Radja Nainggolan: no success
More frills than flash.
Radja Nainggolan was brought in as a prestige transfer at De Bosuil in the summer of 2021 by Paul Gheysens, who had an exuberant contract of 2 seasons for it.
But Nainggolan could never fully live up to the high expectations and in Antwerp especially lived up to his label of “enfant terrible”.
The ink on the contract had barely dried when he was pulled over by the police under the influence for speeding in the center of Antwerp. Then he also offended his chairman by laughing at the blown roof of the Tawny Owl.
In between, it was often just too little in terms of sport and a vape incident on Sclessin’s couch was perhaps the last straw for the Antwerp board.
His contract was terminated by mutual agreement after 55 matches, 6 goals and 5 assists.
Jan Vertonghen: success
After a shaky start, the puzzle pieces fell into place.
At the age of 35, Jan Vertonghen played with Anderlecht for the first time in the Jupiler Pro League. As leader of the defense, the record international took the Purple & White in tow in Europe and the competition.
This season, especially with fellow Devil Thorgan Hazard, that should lead to a place in the Champions’ Play-offs.
Toby Alderweireld: succes
Rarely has a transfer been so successful.
After lesser experiences with Defour, Mirallas and Nainggolan, the arrival of Toby Alderweireld exceeded all expectations.
The defender first led Antwerp to a cup win and, after a fairytale scenario, scored the championship goal himself. Soon the group stage of the Champions League will also be waiting with the club of his heart.
When does the construction of a statue to the Tawny Owl start?
Dedryck Boyata: no success
More injured than available.
Club Brugge has not yet had much fun with the arrival of Dedryck Boyata. The Red Devil struggled with his knee and is facing a re-exam at blue-black this season.
