Union SG midfielder Kamiel Van de Perre has outlined his long-term career ambitions, pointing to the German Bundesliga as an ideal fit for his playing style while addressing ongoing discussions regarding a potential future with the Belgium national team. Speaking on the sports program MidMid in an interview with Dennis Xhaët, the young midfielder discussed his progression through the Belgian league and his immediate focus on silverware with the Brussels club.
Career Trajectory and Ambitions at Union SG
Having developed through stints with Lierse and Genk before establishing himself at Union SG, Van de Perre assessed his current standing in Belgian professional football. When asked about his long-term development and ideal career path, the midfielder emphasized short-term goals at his current club.
“What I would like now is to really make clear steps in certain facets of football at Union SG,” Van de Perre said during the interview. “I want to take big steps over the next one, two years and play for the prizes.”
Reflecting on how he joined Union SG, the player noted that discussions with the club’s hierarchy convinced him of their sporting project. Despite knowing that immediate playing time might be limited at the start, he was drawn to a clear developmental plan that aligned with his ambitions.
Targeting the Bundesliga as an Ideal Fit
While maintaining focus on his current commitments in Brussels, Van de Perre acknowledged future aspirations beyond the Belgian league. When considering potential destinations among top European leagues, he singled out Germany’s top flight.
“And then—if I can choose myself and have the choice of all competitions—I would like to go to the Bundesliga,” he explained. “That seems most suited to my skin for who I am as a player. Of course, you want the top of the Premier League or Barcelona. Many want that, but few can achieve that.”
The midfielder maintained a pragmatic stance regarding elite European football, noting that reaching the Bundesliga standard would represent a significant achievement in his career progression.
National Team Prospects and U21 Commitments
Addressing questions concerning a potential call-up to the senior Belgium national team—the Red Devils—Van de Perre emphasized that his current focus remains on his performances for the under-21 squad as they prepare for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.
“Red Devil? I already am at the U21s, but of course that ambition is also there. You want to take that step,” Van de Perre said. “Do I deserve that already? I don’t know, that is not up to me to decide.”
He added that a senior selection must be earned through consistent club form rather than public demand: “It is something you work for. I am never going to shout that I must be called up. What is up to me? Work so hard and get so good that they can no longer ignore me and have to call me up, but that is not the case yet.”
Analyst Perspectives on Domestic Talent
During the MidMid discussion, panelist Evert Winkelmans shared his view on the pathway from the Belgian Pro League to the national team, arguing that a transfer to a foreign league should not be a strict prerequisite for senior international selection.
“Kamiel is certainly on a long list for the coming years,” Winkelmans stated. “I think it’s a shame that they would first have to prove it abroad, but other JPL players prove it too. You are ready or you aren’t ready. Nicolas Raskin is at Rangers, Hans Vanaken is the playmaker of Club Brugge, so we don’t have to wait for a transfer to make our mark with the Red Devils.”
What Lies Ahead
Van de Perre and Union SG continue their campaign with upcoming domestic fixtures and a continued push for trophies in the Belgian Pro League.
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