Leoni: "I didn't see a future at Anderlecht anymore"
FRIDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2025, 17:10 - lajoya
INTERVIEWS In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, Theo Leoni reflects on his departure from Anderlecht, almost a month ago. "It saddened me to have to leave, but I had to do it," he says. "It was better for everyone." However, Leoni confirms that he could have extended his contract until 2029.
Last season, Theo Leoni's playing time steadily declined. Especially under Besnik Hasi, he barely got any playing time. When it became clear after the season that Anderlecht's midfield had been below par and the club was looking for new players, it was clearly game over for the 25-year-old Leoni.
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Continue reading "The coach wanted different players," Leoni said. "He thought I couldn't play the kind of football he wanted. I didn't see a future for myself at Anderlecht anymore." Leoni says Anderlecht made it clear to him that he would be looking for better places elsewhere. Something he understood. "I'm 25 years old, what if I didn't play until January?"
Sporting director Olivier Renard said last summer that Leoni, whose contract ran until 2026, could have extended his contract until 2029, but he didn't accept. "The offer was better than my previous contract, but according to management, there was absolutely no room for negotiation. And yet my salary was lower than that of many teammates. I hoped to reach a compromise."
And so Leoni ended up at Stade Reims. Although it could just as easily have been Sampdoria, where Jesper Fredberg is now sporting director. "We almost jumped in the car to sign there, but Reims ticked more boxes," Leoni explains his choice. "Fredberg understood my choice."
A transfer within Belgium wasn't an option for Leoni. "I couldn't imagine immediately putting on another Belgian shirt," said the Anderlecht native par excellence. "Maybe later."
Despite everything that's happened in recent months, his love for Anderlecht hasn't faded. "I want to kick off soon and wave goodbye to the supporters," Leoni concluded.
