Antwerp Signs Promising Striker Nathan Kabongo from Belgian Third Tier

Antwerp is adjusting its transfer strategy, increasingly looking to lower divisions for talent as financial pressures mount due to challenges faced by owner Paul Gheysens. The Belgian club, historically known as “The Great Old,” is prioritizing affordable, young players as it navigates a period of economic uncertainty.

The club’s financial situation has become a significant talking point in Belgian football. Reports indicate that Gheysens’ company, Ghelamco, is facing financial difficulties, leading to a tightening of the purse strings at the Bosuilstadion. This shift in strategy comes as Antwerp seeks to rebuild, having recently secured a domestic double in the 2022-23 season and after a disappointing run of form that has seen them win only one game in their last twelve, sparking unrest within the club. Analyst Peter Vandenbempt noted the growing crisis at Antwerp, adding that captain Vincent Janssen’s comments have further fueled the tension, according to Voetbal24.

Antwerp Secures Young Striker from Third National Division

Despite the financial constraints, Antwerp is actively seeking opportunities to bolster its squad. The club recently signed Rein Van Helden from STVV in January, demonstrating a continued commitment to strengthening the team. Now, they’ve turned their attention to the lower tiers of Belgian football, securing the services of 21-year-old Nathan Kabongo from Olsa Brakel, a team competing in the third national division.

Kabongo has impressed with his goal-scoring record this season, netting 13 goals in 23 matches for Olsa Brakel. The promising young striker has now been offered a professional contract with Antwerp, marking a significant step up in his career. He will initially join Young Reds, Antwerp’s reserve team that competes in the second national division, providing him with an opportunity to adapt to the demands of professional football.

A Familiar Path for Kabongo

Although this marks Kabongo’s first professional contract, he is no stranger to clubs with professional aspirations. Throughout his youth career, he has been associated with Patro Eisden, KMSK Deinze, and RWDM. Notably, he even featured in three matches for Deinze in the Challenger Pro League – Belgium’s second tier – during a period when the club was facing financial instability and fielding its reserve team in some matches.

The signing of Kabongo represents a strategic move by Antwerp to identify and nurture young talent, potentially providing a cost-effective solution to strengthening the squad. It similarly highlights the club’s willingness to explore all avenues in its search for players, given the current financial limitations.

Nathan Kabongo (21) heeft een overeenkomst getekend bij RAFC. ✍️🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/ZmrqS4mHug

— RAFC Academy (@RAFC_academy_) March 12, 2026

Royal Antwerp, founded in 1880, is the oldest football club in Belgium and boasts a rich history, including five Belgian league titles and four Belgian Cup victories. The club recently qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in 2023, a testament to its recent resurgence. However, the current financial challenges present a latest hurdle for the club to overcome.

The club is also undertaking infrastructure improvements, with plans to rebuild Tribune 2 at the Bosuilstadion. Interestingly, this project is being financed by a foreign investor, rather than through funds from owner Paul Gheysens or his company, Ghelamco. The investment totals 12.5 million euros, and the club opted for a simple, cost-effective design to ensure the project’s feasibility, according to Voetbalkrant.

This reliance on external investment underscores the evolving financial landscape at Antwerp and the club’s need to adapt to maintain its competitive edge. The signing of Nathan Kabongo, while a relatively low-profile move, exemplifies this new approach – identifying promising talent from within Belgium’s lower leagues to build for the future.

Antwerp will look to build on this momentum as they navigate a challenging period both on and off the pitch. The focus now shifts to integrating Kabongo into the Young Reds setup and continuing to explore opportunities to strengthen the squad within the constraints of their current financial situation.

The next match for Antwerp is yet to be confirmed, but fans will be eager to see how the team responds to the recent challenges and how the new signings contribute to their performance. Keep an eye on the official RAFC website – www.rafc.be – for the latest updates and match schedules.