Praet’s fresh start at KV Mechelen: filling Antwerp’s void

Dennis Praet is ready for a new chapter at KV Mechelen after his contract was not renewed by Antwerp, prompting Mechelen to swoop and bring the former Gouden Schoen winner to the other side of the province. The transfer has been described as a stunt, underscoring the significance of the move for both player and club.

For KV Mechelen the arrival of Praet represents a solid quality injection as the club seeks to build on its surprising Play‑off 1 campaign and aim to exceed itself again. The midfield boost is seen as a way to add creativity and balance to a side looking to improve its offensive options.

Praet’s first season at Antwerp proved difficult; he arrived from England, spent months with hardly any matches and underestimated the time needed to regain rhythm, as he explained to GvA. Physical problems compounded the challenge, but his second season improved with more playing time, albeit in a different role.

At Antwerp he was often deployed as a number six, judged on balance, duels won and space coverage rather than goals and assists. He described this shift as less noticeable but felt it resulted in a solid season despite the change in responsibilities.

Now at KV Mechelen Praet wants to enjoy football again and does not feel a need for extra proof‑driven ambition. He believes the club will allow him more offensive freedom, especially alongside striker Benito Raman who constantly seeks space.

Praet praised Raman, saying the striker’s habit of lurking and diving into the defensive line is a luxury for a midfielder, creating space that can be exploited. He expects the two to complement each other well on the pitch.

While the automatism between the two still needs development, Praet remains realistic about the club’s ambitions, noting that exceeding oneself must be an aim but not taken for granted.

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