Jesper Fredberg did a great job last summer as the sporting boss of RSC Anderlecht. In this way he put together a selection that appears capable of competing for the title again. However, a new challenge will follow after the season, and he must form a core that can also speak at European level.
Officially, Anderlecht is not yet sure of European football, only Union SG can say that as the winner of the regular competition. But the Purple & White are in very good shape as number two in the rankings. Especially if Union wins the cup and the European tickets move up a bit. Barring a serious slump in the Play-Offs, the record champion will make his return to the European stage next season.
And of course RSCA wants to show itself immediately. The new format of the UEFA competitions will also result in even more matches. The selection must therefore be of sufficient quality and sufficiently broad. Fredberg knows what he has to do. Moreover, he may have to look for replacements for certain strong players. Zeno Debast, for example, seems to be gradually ready for a step up.
Ending contracts
In addition, the Dane will have to make a decision about the players with an expiring contract. About mercenaries Ludwig Augustinsson, Thomas Delaney and Federico Gattoni, who will in principle return to parent club Sevilla FC. Or about captain Jan Vertonghen, who has still not confirmed whether he will continue as a professional footballer.
Another experienced worker with an expiring contract is Kasper Schmeichel. The goalkeeper had a very mixed start for the Purple & White, but has reached a stable level in recent weeks. However, it is currently unclear what his plans are after the upcoming European Championship. Anderlecht does have an option to extend his contract for a year, but it is doubtful whether this will be invoked.
Prized Guardiola pawn
For example, Purple-White is already scouring the market for suitable alternatives. Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg reports that RSCA is closely monitoring Stefan Ortega’s situation. This 31-year-old German has been the second goalkeeper at Manchester City for a while and has already shown great things in that capacity. Yet his future with the English champions looks uncertain.
Ortega will enter the final year of his contract next summer and coach Pep Guardiola would like to keep him on board. But negotiations regarding an extension are very difficult. This is due to the financial aspect, and Ortega also has the ambition to become the first goalkeeper again. Something that Anderlecht could offer him. Although it is doubtful whether RSCA can/will meet the salary requirements. Moreover, even more clubs would pull on his sleeve.
⚠️ Excl. News #Ortega: Talks about a new contract beyond 2025 are currently stalling! His departure in summer is possible!
➡️ No agreement between both parties regarding the salary issue
➡️ Ortega, ready to become a No. 1More talks with ManCity are scheduled as Guardiola is… pic.twitter.com/WpvK5BKwoj
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 5, 2024
2024-03-05 11:25:00
#Anderlecht #transfer #stunt #Manchester #City
