Belgian Pro League 2026/2027 Preview: Sint Truiden

Belgian Pro League 2026/2027 Preview: Sint Truiden Last seasons surprise package, Sint Truiden are much changed this season. Wouter Vrancken has gone to Hearts, while a few key players have also left. Frederic De Meyer steps up to take control of a squad that is far too light to compete in Europe and the Belgian Pro League. Expect to see a few more signings made by the Canaries before the end of the window. Transfers in: Joedrick Pupe (Vancouver, loan made permanent), Frederic Soelle Soelle (RWDM), Nelson Ishiwatari) Cerezo Osaka), Ryotaro Araki (Kashima Antlers) Transfers out: Rihito Yamamoto (Freiburg), Ryotaro Ito (free), Jo Coppens (free), Simen Kristiansen Juklerod (Duajska Streda), Andres Ferrari (Sporting Gijon), Isaias Delpupo (Patro Eisden), Adam Nhaili (Dender) Key player: Abdoulaye Sissako The unsung hero of last seasons campaign, Abdoulaye Sissako was crucial in providing Sint Truiden a base from which to play from. His ability to win back the ball and help the side transition from defence to attack was underrated and, given Yamamoto has left for Freiburg, he really is the only out and out ball winning midfielder that they have. Given the likelihood that they will face stiff opposition in Europe, Sissako will be even more crucial. Young player to watch: Nelson Ishiwatari On that basis, eyes will be on Ishiwatari to see if he can be the sides next Yamamoto. He is another one plucked from the J League by the Japanese owners and will hope to follow in the footsteps of Yamamoto and Joel Chima Fujitia. Both made their way to the Bundesliga by leaving the J League and joining Sint Truiden. The 21-year-old left Cerezo Osaka this summer hoping to pursue the same path. GBeNeFN  |  Ben Jackson