Experienced striker set to be the first to leave cash strapped Deinze over unpaid wages | OneFootball

Het Nieuwsblad are reporting that Lennart Mertens is set to join Beveren. The 32-year-old became the first player to have their contract terminated at Deinze after the club failed to page any players wages for 2 months. After announcing his departure from the club on Tuesday, the striker is expected to sign for fellow second tier side Beveren on Wednesday. In 12 games this season, the forward has scored four goals and grabbed two assists.

Mertens leaves the side has the clubs record goal scorer, with an impressive 101 goals in 219 games, most of which have come in the second tier. Beveren will be hoping that he rediscovers his goalscoring touch from past seasons as they look to turnaround what has been a disappointing season so far. Since their relegation a few years ago, the side have been desperate to return to the Pro League. After coming close on a few occasions, the side look well off the pace this seasons.

It is unlikely that Mertens will be the last player to leave Deinze, with many now able to go on a free having not been paid for months. The club currently have two weeks to show the league that they have the finances to continue operations, otherwise they will enter full administration and cease to exist.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson