Ivan Leko hoping to bring young Standard Liege defender to Gent | OneFootball

Sacha Tavolieri has revealed that Ivan Leko is hoping to go shopping at his former side, Standard Liege. The Croatian, who is now head coach of Gent, wants to bring young defender Ibe Hautekiet over to the Buffaloes. Standard, who are in need of money to help them operate this season, are asking for around €2.5M and €3M for the central defender.

The former Belgian youth international only moved to Standard during the 2022/2023 season. Prior to moving to Liege, the defender had been part of the Club Brugge set up. While Hautekiet had never made a senior appearance for the Brugge side, he was a regular for their second team Club NXT. The 2024/2025 season was a real breakout campaign for the defender. Thanks in part to departures, injuries and the sides inability to sign many players, Hautekiet was able to become a first team regular. He played 35 games in total for Standard Liege last season.

Gent could do with bringing in another defender or two after summer departures, and a Belgian one would help with meeting league requirements.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson