All eyes on Manchester City and the City Group following Lommel’s promotion to the Belgian Pro League | OneFootball

After two legs, and some divine intervention from the woodwork, Lommel are back in the top flight of Belgian football. The side, who are linked to Manchester City through the City Group, beat Dender over two legs to book their spot in the 2026/2027 Belgian Pro League. Since the acquisition of Lommel by the City Group, plenty of young players have come and gone in the north east of Belgium. However, this season, the side went for a more conventional approach to the second tier of Belgian football, and it has paid dividends.

With their backing, Lommel are an intriguing club to watch in next seasons Belgian Pro League. The City Group may now see another avenue to bring talented players to the club and give them a chance to develop in Belgian football. Given how well the league has done over the years in producing talented young footballers, it is an opportunity that Manchester City and the City Gruop will not want to miss.

However, they will also need to learn the lesson from previous seasons. Too many young players could have a negative effect on the team and see them struggle in the league, thus rendering the promotion pointless if they go back down after one season. Instead, a similar approach to the one that brought success this season would be prudent. By all means, youngsters from Manchester City and other clubs in the group should be given to Lommel if they need game time and can help the club achieve its goals. However, these players should be joined by those with experience of the top flight. Not only does this help the side on the pitch in dealing with the physicality of the Belgian Pro League, but also gives young players an opportunity to learn from their more experienced counter parts.

Had Dender stayed in the league for another season, they would likely have been favourites to go down again next year. Lommel are such a different side, with different objectives and a much wider network of clubs to recruit from. They will be a side plenty will want to watch next season and their summer business will be followed with interest.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson