Westerlo Belgian Pro League Season 2025/26 Preview | OneFootball

Overview:

Westerlo have been on an upward trajectory since returning to the Pro League three seasons ago. This campaign they will begin life under the stewardship of former Rangers assistant Issame Charaï. In what will be the 43-year-old’s first job as a head coach, can Cheraï push De Kemphanen towards potential Continental football?

Last season, Westerlo finished 2nd in the Conference group and ended the campaign in a rich vein of form. Matija Frigan scored 13 goals and Allahyar Sayyadmanesh notched up an impressive 13 goal contributions yet Frigan is on the verge of a move to Championship side Hull City for a fee of €9 million. It will be key for Cheraï to strengthen the squad in the right areas to ensure that Westerlo maintain the same levels of performance as last season.

Transfers in: Nacho Ferri (Frankfurt), Andreas Jungdal (Cremonese), Oskar Annell (Mechelen), Isa Sakamoto (Gamba Osaka).

Transfers out: Edisson Jordanov (Beerschot), Rhys Youlley (Sydney FC), Muhammed Gümüşkaya (Bandirmaspor).

Key Player: Dogucan Haspolat

Haspolat enjoyed the best season of his career so far, registering three goals and seven assists from central midfield. The captain has enjoyed a much more consistent campaign during his second year at the club, and still has more room for improvement. Last season, he was the side’s chief architect with 78 chances created, eight big chances created, and 5.9 expected assists (FotMob).

Despite being called up the Turkish national team, he is yet to make a senior cap for his country, but if he maintains the same levels of consistency this season, it won’t be long before he makes his first appearance for Turkey

Young player to watch: Nacho Ferri

With Frigan set to depart, Cheraï looks to be placing his faith in Nacho Ferri. The young Spanish striker has already had a taste of the Belgian Pro League, having spent last campaign on loan at Kortrijk. Despite getting relegated with his club, Ferri scored eight goals in what was a respectable return given the circumstances. The 20-year-old striker moved to Westerlo from parent club Eintracht Frankfurt on July 8 for a fee of €2.1 million.

The imposing forward is a natural aerial threat and has displayed signs of prolificacy throughout the Frankfurt youth set up. His progress will be one to watch throughout the season, and if he can adapt to Cheraï’s style of play, then he’ll certainly be a frightening prospect for the rest of the Pro League.

Transfer window needs:

Westerlo have already suffered a big loss as both Luka Vušković and Alfie Devine have finished their loan spells and returned back to Tottenham Hotspur. Vušković’s presence in both boxes will be hugely missed, with the 18-year-old scoring seven goals from centre back. Devine’s role as an attacking midfielder was also hugely influential, and now Westerlo must look to replace these players imminently.

De Kamphanen may also have to look for replacements in the left back position, as both Tuur Rommens and Jordan Bos are linked with moves away to Lecce/Hoffenheim and Feyenoord respectively. In a summer of big change at Westerlo, can they plug the defensive and attacking gaps that have been left by the summer’s departures so far?

GBENeFN | Samuel Fabre