Anderlecht reshapes midfield as De Cat departs, while Cercle re‑claims Coucke

In the latest JPL summer transfers, RSC Anderlecht says goodbye to Nathan De Cat and welcomes 22‑year‑old Czech playmaker Lukas Ambros, while Cercle Brugge brings back goalkeeper Gaëtan Coucke for a three‑year spell, underscoring contrasting squad strategies ahead of the new season. Anderlecht confirmed the arrival of Lukas Ambros after the departure of Nathan De Cat, sealing a contract that runs until 2030. The 22‑year‑old joins from Polish vice‑champion Górnik Zabrze, where he recorded three goals and six assists in almost 60 duels during the 2024 season. Ambros was first recruited by VfL Wolfsburg at age 16 but only managed 16 minutes in the first team before moving to the second team of SC Freiburg and then to Zabrze. Anderlecht describes him as "a technically refined playmaker known for his vision and creativity" and notes he is the third new signing after French defenders Giulian Biancone (Olympiakos) and Léo Pétrot (Elche).

Nu: Anderlecht says farewell as Nathan De Cat heads to Hoffenheim

Cercle Brugge announced the return of Gaëtan Coucke, a 27‑year‑old who previously guarded the posts for Genk and KV Mechelen before spells in Saudi‑Arabia with Al‑Orobah and in Italy with Sampdoria. He has signed a three‑season contract, bringing his experience back to the Belgian top flight. "Cercle came with a clear and ambitious project," Coucke explained, adding that he felt immediately at home with the club’s plans. The two moves illustrate divergent approaches: Anderlecht is rebuilding its midfield creativity, while Cercle focuses on stabilising its goalkeeping department. Both clubs now head into the season with distinct priorities that will shape their Jupiler Pro League campaigns.