Football Season Guide

First Division A
Belgium
First Division A
2021/2022
Royal Antwerp
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Royal Antwerp

In


Michael Frey (att), Fenerbahcee), Abderahmane Soussi (att), Union Saint-Gilloise), Bjorn Engels (def), Aston Villa), Jelle Bataille (mid), Oostende), Michel Ange Balikwisha (att), Standard), Dinis Almeida (def), Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Alhassan Yusuf (mid), IFK Gotteborg)

Out


Simen Juklerød (r)(def), Genk), Lior Refaelov (k)(mid), Anderlecht), Diemurci Mbokani (k)(att), Jordan Lukaku (r)(def), Lazio - end of loan), Jeremy Gelin (r)(def), Stade Rennais - end of loan), Fellipe Avenatti (sp)(att), Standard Liege), Maxime Le Marchand (r)(def), Fuham - end of loan), Alireza Bierenvand (sp)(gk), Boavista - loan), Martin Hongla (r)(mid), Hellas Verona)

Antwerp had a pretty satisfying season last year as they piped Anderlecht for the third place late on and even had their chances to get the second place, but for an untimely injury crisis late on. They once again start the campaign as one of the more impressive squads in the league and even though they are not officially claiming it, the management are certainly expecting at least a push for the title this season from the Good Old. Frank Vercauteren did a good job after coming in mid-season last year but is not being kept on and instead promising Danish coach Brian Priske is the new man in charge. He led Midtjylland to the title in Denmark in 2020 and will come in with reputation for some nice attacking football and bright ideas. The squad saw the two most experienced and consistent players in the past few seasons, Lior Refaelov and Diemurci Mbokani, depart on free transfers while Didier Lamkel Ze is also out in the cold at the moment despite playing quite well in the spring. The most impressive signing so far is Bjorn Engels, coming from the Premier League, and he has the capabilities to become a cornerstone at the back. Michel Ange Balikwisha sealed his move from Standard after long negotiations and he is the sort of dangerous wide attacking player that can really make Antwerp flourish. The main position of weakness is the wing-back role after the departure of Jordan Lukaku but there is likely to be more activity before the start of the season. All in all, Antwerp look like a pretty rounded and strong squad and should have enough to challenge for European places again but need a bit more nous and quality to make a run for the top spot.

Target


All in all, Antwerp look like a pretty rounded and strong squad and should have enough to challenge for European places again but need a bit more nous and quality to make a run for the top spot.