Anderlecht is getting ready to start preparing for the upcoming season in a week. However, the record champion still has a lot of work to do in the transfer market. Signing a new defender is one of the top priorities.
In the past season, the options in the center of defense were limited. With Zeno Debast, Federico Gattoni, and Jan Vertonghen, coach Brian Riemer only had three direct options for two positions. Currently, not much remains of that trio.
Gattoni’s loan has ended, and RSCA would like to extend it, but no agreement has been reached with parent club Sevilla. Vertonghen will join the Red Devils in Germany on Wednesday and has not yet confirmed whether he will continue as a professional footballer.
Debast is also going to the Euros with the national team. However, it is expected that he will not return to Neerpede afterwards. The purple-and-white youth product confirmed on Tuesday that he is on his way to Sporting CP. Only a club-level agreement is needed to finalize his transfer.
Reinforcement at the back is a priority. RSCA is reportedly interested in a young talent from Bulgaria. According to local reports, Anderlecht is one of the clubs eyeing 19-year-old Rosen Bozhinov.
Bozhinov, a Bulgarian youth international, currently plays for CSKA 1948 in his home country, where he had a breakthrough season. He is physically strong and has a lot of potential for growth. However, there is competition for his signature. Antwerp FC is also interested in defensive reinforcements after the departures of Ritchie De Laet and Soumaïla Coulibaly. Foreign clubs like FC Porto, Palermo, and the City Group are also mentioned as potential suitors.