And if Standard will not be able to decline a possible “irrefutable” offer, it has the advantage of having secured its most bankables. His incoming priorities are a left-back and a more attacking winger. Screenings.
Who is worth what?
On paper, Matthieu Epolo represents the highest market value of the squad (€5 million). At 20 years old, he already has around fifty matches in D1, is a recent Congolese international signed to the Can and has a long-term contract (2029). Standard does not intend to give up its goalkeeper now. Unless there is an improbable offer of around €10 million?
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Marlon Fossey’s injury caused his value to drop slightly (€4 million). Despite his two small selections, the 27-year-old American dreams of playing in the next World Cup in his country. A winter transfer so close to this deadline seems risky, if not impossible, especially in the midst of revalidation. But some sources are reporting interest in the right back.
Sahabo and the others
The Hakim Sahabo (20 years old) case must be decided. The Rwandan midfielder is reaching the end of his contract (2026), but the club has a one-year option. Discussions for an extension had been considered, without success.
The question of his future in the Liège project arises when he was either a replacement or injured in recent weeks. “In a winter transfer window, we make adjustments, incoming or outgoing, for the good of the club. Vincent Euvrard recently declared. Does this concern Sahabo, who could bring in at least €1 million excluding bonuses? There are rumors of interest, particularly in Italy.
Kuavita and Calut, in particular, aspire to more playing time.
Where René Mitongo was quoted. The striker has recovered from his injury contracted at the U17 World Cup – where he would have attracted some observers. If a foreign club decides to bet on him and Standard finds itself financially in trouble, he will leave.
For the rest, like everywhere, there are players unhappy with their playing time. Léandre Kuavita, who had decided to stay to try to establish himself, is disillusioned. He logically lacks confidence and is no longer very convincing, often in unusual positions, despite such a big heart. Will he be requesting – or pushed – towards a transfer, even if only temporary?
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The reflection also applies to Alexandro Calut, out of the selection at Dender…
Dennis Ayensa hasn’t appeared completely fulfilled either lately. Standard had exercised its option (€1 million) in the summer – it was then followed in Türkiye. To get away better this winter? This is not the current trend.
What reinforcements?
The incoming priorities are clear: a left side defender – where Tobias Mohr must help out – and an offensive winger to compete with Rafiki Saïd and Adnane Abid.
Ideally, like everywhere, Standard hopes to finalize at least one arrival before the winter camp (January 4-10 in Portugal) but the market is particular and often settles during the last days.
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For the left back, the track Eric Bocat (26 years old) had as a reminder failed on the last day of the summer transfer window and management maintained contact. The former Sint-Truiden player wants to play more at Stoke City, who are fighting for the podium in the Championship. This seems to be clearing up, otherwise a loan with option could be attempted. Hamburg also inquired.
The Standard of course has other tracks, Belgian and foreign. It will not be the French U20 international Gady Beyuku, who plays more on the right. His club, Modena (Serie B), is trying to hang on to the podium and should exercise the option. It is also followed by Italian and German clubs.
Indirect income?
Another source of potential revenue for Standard could come from players who are no longer in Liège. We mainly think of Nicolas Raskin and Isaac Price. When it negotiated the departure of its two players, the former management had obtained a percentage of the possible capital gain that their new clubs would achieve, namely Glasgow Rangers and West Bromwich respectively. Concretely, Standard will receive 15 to 20% of the surplus.
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Quickly becoming indisputable at West Bromwich where he is finally flourishing, Price is also essential in the Northern Irish selection (28 caps, 10 goals). Given his performances, his potential, his young age (22 years) and his contract (2029), his value has climbed to reach €12 million. A sum to pay, at a minimum, to snatch it from WBA. And the Standard can therefore, if necessary, hope to receive a sum which is certainly difficult to estimate as it stands but which could be around €2.5 million.
Having left Liège in January 2023, Nicolas Raskin is also valued at €12 million, but Glasgow Rangers would hope for twice as much. Now a starter with the Red Devils, the 24-year-old is bound to arouse interest. But will he dare to transfer in January, six months before the World Cup? According to the latest reports, it is unlikely. But in the long term, according to certain estimates, Standard could hope to receive around €4 million.
