Westerlo's youth gamble: signing Freiburg forward to fill Ferri void

Belgian Pro League side Westerlo faces a striking void after Spanish forward Nacho Ferri departed for Feyenoord, taking 11 goals from the 2025/26 campaign. To plug the gap, the club have secured 21‑year‑old David Nicolas Amegnaglo from Freiburg on a four‑year contract.

Nacho Ferri left Westerlo for Feyenoord, ending his spell with 11 goals in just over 30 league appearances during the 2025/26 Belgian Pro League season. His exit leaves the Belgian side searching for a replacement to maintain their attacking output.

Westerlo have a reputation for signing young talent they can develop and later sell, a strategy that previously delivered Ferri. David Nicolas Amegnaglo fits this model, arriving as a 21‑year‑old prospect from the German Bundesliga. The club view him as a long‑term investment to replenish their forward line.

Amegnaglo never featured for Freiburg’s senior side, spending his time with the club’s second team. Born in France, he is also eligible to represent Togo and can operate either as a central striker or on the wing. His versatility offers Westerlo tactical flexibility.

In the previous season, Amegnaglo played 31 matches in the southwestern Regionalliga, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists. Those figures highlight his productivity at the reserve level.

The 21‑year‑old has signed a four‑year contract with Westerlo, committing his immediate future to the Belgian outfit. The length of the deal reflects the club’s intention to give him time to adapt and grow into Ferri’s goal‑scoring role.

Amegnaglo will need to translate his reserve‑team form into the Belgian Pro League to help Westerlo recover the lost firepower. Adjusting to a new league and competition for places will be the first hurdles he faces.