Housecleaning to begin at Club Brugge: several players set to leave, transfer market budget known

After winning its 19th title under the noses of the Brussels clubs, Club Brugge can calmly prepare for next season… and its squad.

Less than three months ago, nobody thought Club Brugge would be able to make up a 19-point deficit to win its 19th Belgian championship title. The division of points helped, but the Blauw & Zwart put in a thunderous end to the season.

Performances on the European stage also allowed the Brugge team to regain confidence before the final sprint. The Club, which will take part in the new version of the Champions League, will receive between 30 and 40 million euros in bonuses.

This does not mean that the Bruges management will be spending money left, right and centre, especially as a major housecleaning is likely to take place in the summer in Venice of the North.

A title, then a departure for several Club Brugge players

Task number 1 for Bob Madou, Dévy Rigaux and Maarten Dedobbeleer: to have a discussion with Denis Odoi, who could extend his contract for one last season. Discussions have not yet started, but it seems that the different parties would have the ambition to reach an agreement.

The situation will not be the same for Eder Balanta, who will not be extended. The midfielder, who has been seriously lacking in playing time, has already played his last match in Venice of the North.

It remains to be seen what decision will be taken regarding Philip Zinckernagel and Casper Nielsen, who did not play much at the end of the season. If Nicky Hayen remains on the Club’s bench, their future in Blue & Black could be compromised.

In addition, the club wants to get rid of some heavy contracts, such as Dedryck Boyata’s, and must also find a solution for Roman Yaremchuk, who will not replace Igor Thiago. Romeo Vermant could be repatriated, but he lacks a point of reference.

Money, but no madness in Venice of the North

In the arrivals department, Het Laatste Nieuws specifies that Club Brugge will be able to count on an envelope of 20 million euros, not counting half of the profits from outgoing transfers. The sale of Igor Thiago, for example, therefore considerably increases the budget.

However, Club Brugge does not intend to go crazy. The aim is to spend between five and ten million euros (as with Thiago, Skoras or Vetlesen), in large chunks, on players who will considerably strengthen the team, and the intention is not to spend more for a single player.

As a reminder, the Club has already recorded two arrivals: midfielder Ardon Jashari and central defender Zaid Romero, who are joining Venice of the North for six million euros each.