De Cat snubbed, Bundesliga move looming
Nathan De Cat has been left out of the Nieuwsblad Talent of the Year nominations despite a breakout season at Anderlecht (2). It stings, but here's the bigger picture: the 17-year-old is closing in on a Bundesliga move, with Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig circling. The club is pushing for a €25 million jackpot (4). That kind of fee for a teenager who wasn't even on most radars six months ago would be a serious return.
No new striker, says Sibierski
New sporting director Antoine Sibierski has laid out his plans, and a striker is not the priority (3). With European qualifiers approaching, he's focused elsewhere in the squad. No panic buys. No marquee number nine. Whether you agree probably depends on how much faith you have in the current options.
Union fired up for Sunday's derby
Union may have lost the title race, but they are not rolling over this weekend. Midfielder Kamiel Van de Perre was blunt: "If you show up with a long face on Sunday, you'll get battered" (6). Your team goes into this derby against a wounded rival with nothing to lose and a point to prove.
Van Holsbeeck trial: cash at the self-scan
Herman Van Holsbeeck has admitted in court to exchanging black money, stacks of €500 notes, at a Delhaize self-scan checkout and a car wash. His explanation: "Our bank vault was too small for all those bills" (1). The trial ties directly to the financial mess from his era at the club.
Laura De Neve to retire after cup final
RSCA Women defender Laura De Neve will hang up her boots after the cup final (5). A long-serving figure at the club, she goes out with silverware on the line.
