Belgian Pro League 2024/2025 Preview: OH Leuven | OneFootball

OH Leuven avoided finishing in the bottom four with the last kick of the regular season in 2023/2024. The sister club of Leicester City have been in a downward spiral due to poor recruitment in the past few seasons, something they can ill afford to happen this time around. The side has always had talent in certain areas but lacked in others, and this season they need to address those weaknesses to ensure they push for an outside chance of European football, as the infrastructure to do so is certainly there. One question going into the season is whether or not Oscar Garcia is the right man to take the side forward, although much of his ability to do so will depend on what the squad looks like in a few weeks time.

Last seasons position: 10th

Transfers in: William Balikwisha (Standard Liege), Birger Verstraete (Aris Thessaloniki), Takahiro Akimoto (Urawa Reds)

Transfers out: Pierre-Yves Ngawa (RFC Liege), Florian Miguel (Burgos CF), Kento Misao (Kashima Antlers), Mandela Keita (Antwerp), Desmond Acquah (FCV Dender), Nordin Jackers (Club Brugge), Scotty Sadzoute (free), Valentin Cojocaru (Pogon Szczecin)

Overview:

OH Leuven fans will be desperate for their side to sign a striker before the end of the window. There are already reports that their record signing from last season, Jonatan Braut-Brunes, could be off, leaving them with just Nachon Nsingi upfront. The side have been in search for a permanent replacement for Thomas Henry for a number of seasons now and can ill afford to continue that search next summer.

The side also looks incredibly unbalanced. The midfield is very strong, with a number of attacking players that cannot all play together. One of these could leave. Jon Thorsteinsson was the sides best player last year and the Icelandic international will have plenty of suitors. Balikwisha should be a decent signing if he can force his way into the starting line-up, with a point to prove after not seeing as much game time as he should have with Standard. The defence could also do with reinforcements, especially in central areas.

If OH Leuven cannot create a more balanced squad, we can expect to see another season where they flirt with relegation, but ultimately should stay up thanks to the quality of the central midfielders.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson