Belgian Pro League 2026/2027 Preview: Anderlecht

Belgian Pro League 2026/2027 Preview: Anderlecht Under new management at both levels, Anderlecht are once again searching for that magic formula to try and get themselves back in contention for a Pro League title. In the dugout will be Vitor Bruno with Antoine Sibieski in the Director of Football role. Last season the side finished the regular season in sixth before a fourth place finish during the play-offs. With the play-offs gone, they can ill afford another indifferent regular season. They will struggle to replace the talented Nathan De Cat , but Anderlecht are used to seeing their talented youngsters poached early in their careers. There will be no excuses accepted from a fan base that has had their patience tested in recent seasons. Transfers in: Giulian Biancone (Olympiacos), Leo Petrot (Elche), Lukas Ambros (Gornik Zabrze) Transfers out: Mats Rits (free), Yari Verschaeren (free), Thorgan Hazard (Lens), Keisuke Goto (Freiburg), Ibrahim Kanate (Kaiserslautern, loan), Nathan De Cat (Hoffenheim), Anas Ajaouart (RAAL La Louviere), Key player: Mihajlo Cvetkovic If the young Serbian striker is still there by the end of the summer transfer window, he will be a key player for anything Anderlecht hope to achieve. The 19-year-old has already shown his ability to find the net last season with 10 goals in 35 games. With a full season at the club under his belt, expect him to kick on somewhat this season. If he does, there is a chance he earns himself a decent move away from Anderlecht next summer. The club signed him knowing this would be the case, so will hope to take advantage of a real breakout season for the striker if it happens this season. Young player to watch: Basile Vroninks Cleary Cvetkovic could also be in this position, but he feels more important than being a potential breakout player. Vroninks only played two games for Anderlecht’s first team last season, but he does seem to have something about him. He is an energetic right back that is happy to get up and down. Although still raw, he has played plenty of second tier football with Anderlecht futures. Whether Bruno is ready to trust him yet remains to be seen, but hopefully we will see some more of Vroninks this season. GBeNeFN  |  Ben Jackson