Football Season Guide

Leuven again impressed last season in their second campaign back in the top flight. They were contending for a top eight finish until February before a poor end to the season saw them end in 11th spot. The summer has seen a significant overhaul of the playing squad including some key departures. Main striker Kaba, key central defender Dewaest and first-choice goalkeeper Runarsson have departed after their loan spells came to an end. The most notable outgoing however, is that of captain and assist machine Mercier. The experienced playmaker has gone to Ferencvaros and leaves a big hole to fill. To counteract the outgoings there has so far been eight additions. Holzhauser looks to be the one to fill Mercier’s role. The Austrian attacking midfielder didn’t have a great season last campaign at relegated Beerschot, however, the season before he contributed 16 goals and 16 assists as Beerschot finished 9th in the Belgian top flight. Other acquisitions include Belgian U21 international centre-back Pletinckx and Icelandic international winger Thorsteinson. Jackers and Cojocaru will compete for the Number One jersey. Plenty of incomings and outgoings so team could take time to gel but Marc Brys is an experienced Head Coach. Scoring goals was the factor that let them down last season and, with Kaba gone and no replacement brought in yet, this remains a possible issue heading into the new campaign.