Football Season Guide

Union Saint-Gilloise

In


Bart Nieuwkoop (def), Feyenoord), Marcel Lewis (mid), Chelsea), Matthew Sorinola (def), MK Dons), Jean Lazare Amani (mid), Charleroi - loan), Lorenzo Paolucci (mid), Reggina), Felipe Avenatti (att), Standard - loan), Damien Marcq (mid), Zulte Waregem)

Out


Marcel Mehlem (sp)(mid), Paderborn), Mathias Fixelles (r)(mid), Kortrijk), Edisson Jordanov (r)(mid), Westerlo), Brighton Labeau (sp)(att), Sébastien Pocognoli (sp)(def), retired), Ibrahima Bah (sp)(mid), Alex Cochrane (sp)(def), Brighton - end of loa

Union Saint-Gilloise are finally back in the big time of Belgian football, securing promotion for a first time in 48 years in what was a completely dominant fashion last season. Having narrowly missed out on a few occasions in recent years, the club eventually stomped over every competitor last year to secure the title with lots of games to spare, led by the inspirational Felice Mazzu from the touchline. The club from the outskirts of Brussels will be going to the new season full of motivation and determination to show that they are more than capable of holding their own and will look to be something more than just a plucky relegation battler. They already have a squad of real quality at this level and the additions of players like Bart Niewkoop and Damien Marcq will bring further experience and nous into the camp. Dante Vanzier and Deniz Undav combined for 37 goals up front last year and will look to transfer that sort of output at least partially. Casper Nielsen is another vital player in midfield last year and will look to lift his game. The defence is one area that looks a bit light on quality and options but Mazzu still has time to bring in some new additions.

Target


All in all, Union look like a side ready to come into the new division and leave a mark and the fact that they have genuine momentum carrying from last year and some real quality should have them in good stand, finishing easily in mid-table.