Mario Stroeykens set to leave Anderlecht as Parma eyes move

21‑year‑old midfielder Mario Stroeykens is poised to depart RSC Anderlecht this summer, despite having extended his contract to 2028 last season, after more than a hundred first‑team appearances and a memorable goal against OHL, and with interest from abroad intensifying.

The contract extension signed last season until 2028 was never intended as a guarantee of a long stay at Lotto Park. Stroeykens aims to enable Anderlecht to collect a sizable transfer fee when he moves on.

Since December, Stroeykens' representatives have been actively scouting potential destinations. They have been mapping the market to identify the optimal next step for the midfielder.

Parme currently tops the list of concrete possibilities. The Italian club has monitored his dossier for several months and regards the Belgian international as a perfect fit for its profile of young, high‑potential talent.

Clubs from France and Germany have also shown interest. Several teams from those leagues have made inquiries and are tracking the evolution of his situation.

Stroeykens is a product of Neerpede, having completed his entire formation at Anderlecht. He progressed through every level of the club’s youth system before breaking into the senior squad.

His breakthrough arrived in the 2021‑2022 season when, at 16, he scored a notable goal against OHL. Since then he has amassed more than a hundred appearances for the Anderlecht first team and become a key squad member.

At 21, Stroeykens feels a new challenge is required to continue his development. He wishes to avoid the trajectory of Yari Verschaeren, who has struggled to translate domestic promise into international impact.

Anderlecht is expected to secure a significant transfer fee, matching the scenario Stroeykens envisioned when he extended his contract. The departure would mark the end of a home‑grown talent’s journey from academy to senior side.