KV Mechelen Belgian Pro League 2025/2026 Preview

Overview:

Despite being linked to a number of head coaches, KV Mechelen decided to stick with Fred Vanderbiest. The Belgian will be under pressure given that he is certainly not the first choice of a fanbase that would have liked to see some ambition. The core of the squad is still in tact, although there are certainly areas that Vanderbiest would like to see strengthened for KV Mechelen to be pushing up the table.

Transfers in: Lovro Golic (Roma), Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory), Gora Diouf (Sion), Tijn Van Ingelgom (Genk), Tommy St Jago (Willem II)

Transfers out: Julien Ngoy (free), Petter Nosa Dahl (Rapid Wien), Oskar Annell (Westerlo), Toon Raemaekers (Ferencvaros), Bas van den Eynden (Beerschot), Geoffry Hairemans (Antwerp), Daam Foulon (Antwerp)

Key player: Rob Schoofs

31-year-old Rob Schoofs is the heartbeat of the side. The club captain leads from the central midfield area and is a key contributor in terms of goals and assists. He had six goals and five assists in 40 games last season, slightly down on the previous two. KV Mechelen go as he goes, so another good season from Schoofs will help the side avoid any unwanted relegation scraps.

Young player to watch: Lovro Golic

New signing Lovro Golic comes highly rated from Roma, where he played in the youth team. Other clubs were interested but the teenager from Slovenia picked KV Mechelen, presumably because he was guaranteed playing time. Could he be the next gem to come out of the Pro League?

Transfer window needs:

So much of KV Mechelen’s success relies on Benito Raman being fit. The 30-year-old only has one year left on his deal, but the side can ill afford to sell him without replacing his 15 goals from last season. January signing Keano Vanrafelghem will hopefully be able to step up more with a full preseason alongside his teammates. KV Mechelen look young at the back, so could do with another experienced defender to help guide the youngsters.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson