Antwerp's season stalls as ownership deadlock blocks transfers

Royal Antwerp FC finds itself in a full impasse as the club prepares for the new season, with the Bosuil stadium unusually quiet. Unclear ownership means the Great Old cannot finalize any transfers, has no head coach appointed and its future remains uncertain.

The deadlock originates from the financial situation surrounding owner Paul Gheysens, who has yet to repay his multi‑million‑euro loan. A proposed takeover by a consortium led by Wouter Vandenhaute and former Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld also remains unfinished.

Because of this uncertainty, the club’s sporting side is effectively frozen. Technical director Marc Overmars maintains contacts with agents and players, but he is barred from completing any deals. Moreover, the search for a new head coach is on hold, with Gheysens having spoken to several candidates while a prospective owner might prefer a different appointment.

Antwerp faces a challenging summer on the transfer market. After generating almost €48 million in transfer income last season, a similar influx appears unlikely. Vincent Janssen, Dennis Praet and Gyrano Kerk all departed on free transfers, while Xander Dierckx and Taishi Nozawa are now regarded by Transfermarkt as the most valuable members of the current squad.

The stagnation permeates the whole organisation. The scouting department lacks clarity on budget limits, and other sections also operate in uncertainty. Nevertheless, Antwerp continues to process commercial dossiers, while staff and supporters alike await definitive answers on the Great Old’s future.