Antwerp’s annual results seem positive at first glance, but they also come with major challenges. Looking ahead to next season, we expect Marc Overmars to perform a miracle to build a competitive team.
What this assessment has taught us is that Antwerp must continue to sell to remain financially healthy. But who, in the current core, is sellable? There are no plans to sell Thibo Somers or Daam Foulon, as there would be little experience left.
Gyrano Kerk’s contract expires, as does that of Vincent Janssen. The two key players would however be inclined to extend their stay, but will they be ready to revise their salaries downward? Janssen is still one of the highest paid players in the Jupiler Pro League and the Great Old can no longer afford him.
Who will put millions back into the coffers?
It will therefore be necessary to monitor other avenues. We will notably examine Xander Dierckx, Andreas Verstraeten and Kiki Kouyaté (for whom Antwerp still has a club option for a one-year extension) in order to raise funds. Dierckx, 16, has great potential, but the club will probably have to wait a little longer to get a more optimal amount from him.
The vicious circle is there: Overmars will have to sell above the price and buy below. It will be necessary to monitor players free of any contract and little-known young people with interesting growth potential, like Mahamadou Doumbialeft for Saudi Arabia for 16 million.
But all these boys will therefore need experience around them, because Antwerp does not have the money to convince a new Vincent Janssen. Overmars will therefore have to do his best to keep “the old”. This effort seems crucial. Both parties will undoubtedly have to make concessions.
Europe is moving away
Furthermore, there is another problem: as things stand, Antwerp will not play in the Champions League play-offs and may well miss the European preliminaries. This could dissuade many players from joining Bosuil.
Marc Overmars will therefore have to use his experience and his network to build a competitive team. Without a significant transfer budget and with players he must sell or replace. A contrast with the ambitions of four years ago which still hurts.
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