Gent Belgian Pro League 2025/26 Preview | OneFootball

Overview:

Gent finished the 2024/25 in abysmal fashion, losing nine out of their ten Championship playoff matches and scoring just four goals in the process. This campaign, former Standard Liège manager Ivan Leko will take charge of The Buffalo’s as they look to make a return to European football. With many outgoings in the transfer window already, it’ll be interesting to see how Gent rebuilds their squad.

Transfers in: Wilfred Kanga (Dinamo Zagreb).

Transfers out: Archie Brown (Fenerbahce), Noah Fadiga (Aris Thessaloniki), Jordan Torunarigha (Hamburger SV), Andrew Hjulsager (Vejle BK), Keegan Jelacic (Melbourne Victory), Célestin De Schrevel (RAAL), Pieter Gerkens (Cercle Brugge – loan), Núrio Fortuna (NFC Volos – loan), Sven Kums (retired), Louis Fortin (without club).

Key player: Dante Vanzeir

The 27-year-old striker joined Gent in January and registered nine goal contributions in 17 appearances in the second half of the campaign. The former Union forward was one of the bright sparks as Gent’s season petered away, and with a full season ahead, it is widely hoped that he could be the man to fire The Buffalos back into a Continental spot.

Having made just one cap for Belgium back in 2022, Vanzeir is on the right track at Gent if he wants to add to his international tally.

Young player to watch: Mathias Delorge

The 20-year-old midfielder enjoyed a brilliant debut season for Gent following his summer move from Sint-Truiden, making 54 appearances across all competitions. The imposing midfielder registered four goal contributions last season and his adaptability on the pitch is one of his biggest assets, so he is definitely one to keep an eye on during the upcoming season.

Momodou Sonko is another prospect who is worth keeping an eye on. Having signed from Swedish side BK Häcken in 2024, he has struggled to find a consistent run of starts over the last season. However, the young talent may flourish under Ivan Leko’s system, and if he can start to deliver, then he may be on the radar of many top European clubs.

Transfer window needs:

The main talking point of Gent’s window so far is the sale of talented left back Archie Brown to Fenerbahce for €8m. Obtaining a replacement will be tricky yet Gent are also in the market for a central defender to replace Torunarigha. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Voldendam defender Xavier Mbuyamba is a target, for a price of €500k.

Another potential departure is that of Tsuyoshi Watanabe, who has agreed personal terms and is set to have a medical with Feyenoord according to transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri. The influential centre back looks to be heading to De Kuip for €9million, and would be a huge loss for The Buffaloes, which leaves them short on a position that already needs strengthening. If the Buffaloes are to build on from last season, then defensive reinforcements are an absolute priority as the campaign kicks off with their visit to Sint-Truiden on Sunday evening.

GBENeFN | Samuel Fabre