AA Gent kicked off their preseason campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over KVV Zelzate, signaling the start of preparations for the upcoming season. The team is poised to bolster its roster under the guidance of new head coach Ivan Leko.
The Buffalos are undergoing a important overhaul. Following a disappointing run in the Champions’ Play-Offs, team management opted for change, parting ways with head coach Danijel Milicevic after a brief tenure. Ivan Leko was later recruited from Standard to take the reins.
While the coaching staff is now settled, adjustments are also being made to the player roster. Ghent has bid farewell to Nurio Fortuna, Pieter Gerkens, Jordan Torunarigha, and Noah Fadiga. Archie Brown is also expected to depart soon.
To compensate for these departures, strategic acquisitions are underway.Coach Leko reportedly aims to reunite with Standard defender Ibe Hautekiet. though, the immediate priority appears to be securing a striker.Recent reports indicate that Ghent is close to signing Wilfried Kanga.
Kanga, a 27-year-old Ivorian, previously played for standard on loan during the 2023-2024 season, where he made a favorable impression. He then joined Dinamo Zagreb, but his time there has been less triumphant. Ghent, which expressed interest in him last year, now sees an opportunity to finalize a deal.
The transfer is expected to be permanent. According to reports, the Buffalo’s will pay approximately 1.2 million euros for the attacker. Kanga is scheduled to undergo medical and physical examinations shortly. Assuming no issues arise, the transfer coudl be completed swiftly.
✅🔵🦬 Wilfried Kanga undergoes his medical tests today and will sign his contract with #Kaagent right after. #market JPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#JPL pic.twitter.com/WNVLwgmubd
– Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) June 22, 2025
AA Gent’s Preseason and Transfer News: Key data and Insights
Table of Contents
To further illuminate the Buffalos’ current situation and provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing changes, here’s a comparative data table, followed by an FAQ section that addresses common questions regarding these developments:
Key Departures and possible Acquisitions
| player | Position | Former Club/Current Club (if applicable) | Notes |
|—|—|—|—|
| Nurio Fortuna | Defender | | Left the Club |
| Pieter Gerkens | Midfielder | | Left the Club |
| Jordan Torunarigha | Defender | | Left the Club |
| Noah Fadiga | Defender | | Left the Club |
| Archie Brown | Defender | | Expected Departure Note: This section requires an update after a real transfer is completed |
| Perhaps Incoming | | | |
| Ibe Hautekiet | Defender | standard | possible reunion with Leko; current club: Standard |
| Wilfried Kanga | Striker | Dinamo Zagreb | expected signing; former loan spell at Standard; fee: approx. €1.2 million |
Note: This table summarizes the most recent information regarding player movements. Values are approximate and can fluctuate.
Coaching Staff Changes
Following a disappointing run in the Champions’ Play-Offs, AA Gent’s leadership decided to bring in a new manager.
Outgoing Coach: Danijel Milicevic (Brief Tenure)
Incoming Coach: Ivan Leko (From Standard)
Wilfried Kanga: A Closer Look
Wilfried Kanga is a key player potentially joining AA Gent. His arrival is expected to bolster their attacking options. Based on the information, the transfer fee seems reasonable.
FAQ Section: Addressing Reader Questions
This FAQ section is designed to provide clear and concise answers to frequently asked questions, improving search visibility and reader engagement.
Q1: What’s the current status of Wilfried Kanga’s transfer?
A: As of June 22, 2025, Wilfried Kanga is undergoing medical tests for AA Gent, with a contract expected to be signed shortly, pending those tests.
Q2: Why did AA Gent change coaches?
A: AA Gent parted ways with Danijel Milicevic following a disappointing performance in the Champions’ Play-Offs. Ivan Leko has been appointed as the new head coach.
Q3: Who are the key players leaving AA Gent?
A: Key departures include Nurio Fortuna, Pieter Gerkens, Jordan Torunarigha, Noah Fadiga, and the potential departure of Archie Brown.
Q4: What are the Buffalo’s main priorities for the upcoming season?
A: The immediate priorities appear to be reinforcing their roster with key signings, including a striker like Wilfried Kanga and potentially defender Ibe Hautekiet.
Q5: What kind of impact could Wilfried Kanga have on the team?
A: Kanga, a proven goal scorer from his recent loan spell at Standard, is expected to considerably improve AA Gent’s attacking capabilities.
