Anderlecht faces squad overhaul ahead of Kazakhstan play-off

The purple‑white RSC Anderlecht steps off the plane in Almaty after a long journey to Kazakhstan, ready for Thursday’s 17:00 first‑leg play‑off against Kairat Almaty in the Europa League. The squad’s fatigue is palpable as the club braces for a decisive European night.

Anderlecht's Europa League trip

RSC Anderlecht has just completed the long journey to Kazakhstan. The purple‑white side will meet Kairat Almaty at 17:00 on Thursday in the first leg of the Europa League play‑offs. The fixture marks the club’s first European appearance of the season.

Uncertain futures for key players

Not everyone boarded the plane, prompting speculation of a major squad clean‑up. Voor Mario Stroeykens, the situation at Anderlecht is becoming increasingly bleak. De jeugdproducten of Neerpede, under Brian Riemer, were hailed as one of the season’s biggest promises in 2023‑2024.

Stroeykens suffered an injury that disrupted his progress, followed by further physical problems that saw him disappear from the starting lineup, much like Yari Verschaeren. He logged only 802 competitive minutes and one goal last season, despite a contract running to 2028 and a solid salary. A thigh muscle strain caused him to miss the last seven play‑off matches and also kept him out of the DR Congo World Cup squad.

Other players in limbo

César Huerta also stayed behind, with the Mexican missing the trip to Almaty. El Chino spent most of the previous season sidelined and could not secure a fresh start on his return, even causing a penalty in the Belgian Cup final. He remains under contract until 2029, but a move back to Mexico, with Toluca mentioned as a possible destination, appears increasingly likely.

Veteran left‑back and transfer speculation

Ludwig Augustinsson is still listed for the European trip, yet his future at Anderlecht is under debate. The Swedish international arrived on loan from Sevilla in summer 2023, earned a permanent deal, but now faces a high salary and a contract that expires next summer. Hein Vanhaezebrouck warned that “Anderlecht has a problem”, suggesting the left‑back could be on his way out after Thursday’s match.

Antoine Sibierski is reportedly urging the club to sign Will Ferry, the Scottish left‑back from Dundee, while a return to Sweden remains a possibility for Augustinsson, though no concrete candidate has emerged. The club’s leadership appears unwilling to retain the veteran for much longer.

Financial stakes and possible exits

Adriano Bertaccini travelled to Kazakhstan, but Met Vitor Bruno his prospects look dim. He played a crucial role in the opening win against RAAL La Louvière yet received barely four minutes in recent games versus PAOK and Beveren. Anderlecht paid roughly five million euros for the striker and may seek to recover part of that sum through a loan with an option to buy.

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