The Brighton model: How always being one step ahead of themselves has set Union St Gilloise on course for a first title since 1935 | OneFootball

Back in February of 2022, President of Union St Gilloise Alex Muzio joined myself, Joris Becq and Scott Coyne on the Belgian Football Podcast to talk about the club. Muzio laid out the philosophy behind the Brussels club and their model for success. At the time, under Felice Mazzu, the side had just been promoted and were an unlikely title challenger. They did not end the season as champions, but it was clear that they had ambitions of challenging every year. Fast forward to 2025, and a first title since 1935 is within their grasp. If the side beat Gent, or match/better Club Brugge’s result, they will be champions.

Yet, Union have no right to be in this position and challenge for titles every season. Following that first season back in the Pro League, Mazzu left the club to join Anderlecht. His replacement, Karel Gaerets, also came close to the title before leaving the following summer. Alexander Blessin replaced him, almost won the title and then left to join St Pauli. On top of this, key players left the club every season, just like Brighton. Deniz Undav joined the Premier League side, Dante Vanzeir moved to the MLS (and has since returned to join Gent), Casper Nielsen joined Club Brugge, captain Teddy Teuma left for France and last seasons star Cameron Peurtas moved to Saudi Arabia. These are just a handful of the players that have come and gone in recent seasons.

Despite all these players leaving, the side continue to find success. In part, this is similar to their sister club Brighton. While Muzio has been keen to point out that, while he has links to Tony Bloom and the club share owners, their success is not dependent on handouts from East Sussex. Only a handful of players have moved from the UK to Belgium through a partnership between the clubs, and this year there have been none. However, their approach to recruitment and team building is similar. Muzio stressed back in 2022 that, while they are data driven, they are also interested in player personalities. They wanted to sign players that fit within the clubs culture while also being able to produce the goods on the pitch. This has seen them bring in players from the German third tier, Estonia, Accrington Stanley and Switzerland. They have blended these personalities together to create a culture of winning and togetherness that has lasted despite the change in coaches and departures of key players.

Furthermore, the club have always been one step ahead of themselves. They don’t just wait until the summer to lose a key player before finding their replacement. For all those players listed above who left, the replacement was already part of the club. When Teuma left, Puertas had already been with the side for a season and transitioned into the central midfield catalyst role with ease. When Victor Boniface left to join Bayer Leverkusen, the side already had Gustaff Nilsson ready to take over. This season, with Nilsson and Mohamed Amoura having left, the side did have to go shopping, going to Estonia to pick up Promise David and bringing in Franjo Ivanovic.

Despite changes in head coach and players, the ethos and culture of the team has remained the same. They, alongside the fanbase, have a strong connection. Two players that have been with the club throughout this period of success have been former Portsmouth defender Christian Burgess and the man he protects in Anthony Moris. While both are the other side of 30, neither had experienced success at the top level of European football prior to joining Union. Once part of the Brussels side, they have experienced European football and won the Belgian cup. Next year they will likely be playing Champions League football for the first time in their careers.

All that stands between Union and the Pro League title are a Gent side with nothing to play for. The Buffaloes have not beaten Union since the latter returned to the top flight of Belgian football. The Joseph-Marien stadium in Duden Park is set to be rocking on Sunday, and the celebrations will likely go on for a long time if they do manage to pull it off. The side, like Brighton, have shown what is possible when you match strong recruitment with a culture that focuses on getting the best out of the individuals both on and off the pitch.

Even if they win the title, players will once again be sold this summer. Union’s success has brought with it greater attention, which has brought in major profits on players that have been signed relatively cheaply. Fans of the club can be confident that, whatever happens in the summer, the club has a plan in place that will see them once again fighting for Belgian silverware and competing in Europe next season.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson