Griffin Yow, the American flank player who is the end of the contract in June, has been enjoying the Buffalos for some time, but it will not come to a deal this last day. Vanzeir came over from New York Red Bulls in January and is still under contract until 2028. Because he has one of the heavier contracts and is now banker under Ivan Leko, Ghent tried to push him to the exit. With the exception of a very unexpected turn, the 27-year-old attacker remains with AA Gent, although he comes under Kanga and Gore in the pecking order. Westerlo in turn hopes to get another striker.
For midfield, the kempans already brought in someone: Reda Laalaoui (20), a 1.90 meter in Moroccan youth international. And that is quite a striking transfer, because Laalaoui actually drew at Hull City at the start of this summer, which took over from the Moroccan first -class Fus Rabat. Only the English second division team was imposed a transfer ban in the same period, so that it was no longer allowed to pay any transfer fees. The English club tried to make an arrangement with the League to make the transition from Laalaoui validated, but without results. The deal was finally canceled. Ideal for Westerlo, which benefits from that situation. And especially for trainer Issame Charaii, who of course knows the player as a former national coach of the U23 of Morocco. Laalaoui signed a contract for four seasons in Westerlo.
Attacker from Stuttgart
After Laalaoui, Westerlo also strengthened its core with an extra attacker, Eliot Bujupi. The 19-year-old German Kosovaar comes over from VFB Stuttgart, where he took action for the second team. Bujupi is rented until the end of the season, with purchase option. (SKS)
What about Bolat?
Does Westerlo finally find a solution for Sinan Bolat? The 37-year-old goalkeeper no longer belongs to the A-core of the Kempans and is close to a return to Turkey, where he can work with second-class IGDIR FK. Bolat’s departure would be a financial boost for Westerlo. The former player of Club Brugge, Antwerp and AA Gent is still under contract for another year and is still one of the big earners in ‘t Kuipje.
Worth a look
