"Anderlecht's approach is the smartest"

OTHER The transfer of Albert Sambi Lokonga brings the revenue of players trained in Neerpede over the past ten years to 140 million. That was calculated by Het Laatste Nieuws. Sports economist Trudo Dejonghe praises Anderlecht's approach. "This is the only revenue model that really works," he says.


From the 26 million euros for Jérémy Doku to the 1.5 million euros for Aaron Leya Iseka. Anderlecht has cashed in no less than 140 million euros for youth products in the last ten years. And that's no coincidence. The Purple & White was the first Belgian club to make a major effort and invest in youth training. The youth budget amounts to several million euros per year.

"But Anderlecht's great asset is the progression to the first team. Nowhere else in Belgium do you have such career opportunities," says sports economist Trudo Dejonghe. With Lukaku, Tielemans, Praet and now Doku and Sambi Lokonga, Anderlecht have nice references to refer to. "Anderlecht has become a quality mark", says Dejonghe.

Yet many Belgian clubs continue to swear by unknown and cheap foreign players, in the hope of finding that one white blackbird. "I think that makes little sense. The really good ones no longer come to Belgium. Anderlecht's approach is much smarter. This is the only revenue model that really works. You have to invest in accommodation and coaches, but it pays off."