Belgian Pro League 2024/2025 Preview: FCV Dender | OneFootball

The second of the promoted sides, FCV Dender provided the biggest shock in the Challenger Pro League last season. Timmy Simons led the side to the unlikeliest of promotions, but has since departed to join Westerlo. Vincent Euvrard, who was tasked with getting Zulte Waregem out of the same division last season, has taken over for the upcoming Pro League campaign.

Last seasons positions: Promoted

Transfers in: Malcolm Viltard (FC Sochaux), Mohamed Berte (KV Oostende), Michael Verrips (Fortuna Sittard), Bryan Goncalves (SK Beveren), David Hrncar (SK Beveren), Guillaume Dietsch (FC Metz), Desmond Acquah (OH Leuven), Roman Kvet (Viktoria Plzen, loan)

Transfers out: Xavier Gies (Francs Borains), Dylan Ragolle (RAEC Mons), Sefano Marzo (RFC Liege), Louange Muhire (FC Knokke), Kjetil Borry (Patro Eisden), Kenneth Houdret (RAEC Mons, loan), Olivier Myny (free), Nicolas Rajsel free), Ibrahima Sory Sankhon (free), Jonathan Rowell (free)

Overview:

Many will expect Dender to be relegated at the end of the 2024/2025 season. Their squad, on paper at least, does not look like it will be able to avoid a relegation scrap. They will rely on the likes of Bruny Nsimba, who was fantastic last season, and new signing Mohamed Berte to get the goals. Ali Akman is also one to watch. In goal, both Michael Verrips and Guillaume Dietsch are an upgrade and could have a busy time of it, depending on who wins the battle to be number one.

What the sides appears to have done, which could be a decent strategy, is build a side that would be one of the strongest in the second tier. If they were to be relegated and kept the majority of this squad together, you would expect them to be challenging to come back up. Given their tiny budget in comparison to other Pro League clubs, they appear to have done well in the transfer market without having to break the bank. All of the new players strengthen the squad, which is all that can be asked of going into the season.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson