Yahoo Sports Belgian Pro League 2024/2025 Preview: Club Brugge
Largely thanks to the play-off format, Club Brugge won their 19th Belgian top flight title last season. Way off the pace of Anderlecht and Union St Gilloise, once the points were halved and the play-offs began the Club Brugge that everyone expected to see last season finally showed up. They were by far the best team in the play-offs and took advantage of slip-ups by their opponents. With a semi-final in the Conference League as well, it was a very successful season for the side.
Last seasons position: 1st
Transfers in: Christos Tzolis (Fortuna Düsseldorf), Gustaf Nilsson (Union St-Gilloise), Zaid Romero (Estudiantes), Ardon Jashari (FC Luzern), Nordin Jackers (OH Leuven)
Transfers out: Igor Thiago (Brentford), Shion Homma (Urawa Reds), Eder Balanta (CD America), Denis Odoi (Antwerp), Cisse Sandra (Willem II, loan), Josef Bursik (Hibernian, loan)
Overview:
With Nicky Hayen having been given full control for the upcoming season, this side should once again be challenging for the title. They have added goals in Tzolis, defensive reinforcements in Romero and an exciting midfielder in Jashari who should help bring greater balance to the central areas. There is plenty of depth in all positions but at right-back, although it appears that Hugo Siquet will be arriving to help in that position.
Gustaf Nilsson may be the striker signed to replace Thiago, but they also have got two strikers that could be able to do that job already in the squad. Romeo Vermant impressed on loan at Westerlo and will hopefully get more chances or be loaned out to continue his development. Ferran Jutgla looked like he was getting back to his best so with a full pre-season he could be eyeing a run at the top scorers title this season. Hans Vanaken remains a reliable performer in the Pro League and serial winner, his leadership will be key once again to keep the side hungry for another title.
Club have enough of a squad to balance a European campaign with a successful domestic season. Despite winning the league last season, Hayen will not be able to start slowly this year. There are still a few players that need to be moved on but that should be done by the end of the transfer window.
