Verwilghen head of scouting: “You don't pass up an opportunity like th
FRIDAY, 19 DECEMBER 2025, 21:30 - lajoya
OTHER RSC Anderlecht could use some defensive reinforcement and an extra striker, but its first winter signing is not a player. The Purple & White have brought in David Verwilghen (37) as their new head of scouting. The former sporting director of promoted club La Louvière made a strong impression there and will now help build a more efficient scouting system at the record champions. “Anderlecht needed to redesign its structure.”
His phone hasn't stopped ringing since, as if he had already settled in at Neerpede. However, Verwilghen must first say goodbye to La Louvière and hand in the keys to the Easi Arena. He believes it is important to finish things properly before starting a new chapter in Brussels. Interestingly, last summer there was concrete interest from Standard, but in the end Verwilghen did not stay with Les Loups. This winter, he even became Anderlecht's first “transfer.”
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Continue reading “Many people thought I wouldn't leave La Louvière in the middle of the season,” he says. “But I had been thinking about my future for some time. I had decided not to actively look for anything, but to be open to opportunities that came my way spontaneously.”
Those opportunities did arise. “In the end, there were three concrete options: Anderlecht and two foreign clubs. The most difficult consideration was not professional, but human. In La Louvière, they have long been more than colleagues. What we have experienced together there—the promotions, everything that has been built up—is special. But when you feel that a story is coming to its natural end, you have to dare to look ahead.”
Restructuring as a starting point The contact with Anderlecht was fairly straightforward. “I didn't know Tim Borguet personally, but he called me to ask if we could talk. First by phone, then face-to-face. I explained my vision and way of working.”
At Anderlecht, the context was clear. “Due to changes in management, there was a need for restructuring. Both Tim Borguet and CEO Kenneth Bornauw had noted my name. We clicked on both sides and a few days later everything was settled.”
Verwilghen had hardly any doubts. “In terms of my career, it makes sense to say yes to Anderlecht, especially given the role they had in mind for me. Broadly speaking, it is similar to my position at La Louvière, but the difference lies in the decision-making process: negotiations, making decisions, and finalizing transfers. When a club of this caliber gives you that kind of responsibility, the choice is easy.”
Timing and practical challenges The transition comes at a remarkable moment, just before the opening of the winter transfer window. “Performing two roles simultaneously? That is not feasible,” he laughs. “The original plan was to complete the winter period at La Louvière and only move to Anderlecht in February. That was also agreed upon.”
“But due to a leak, that timing was brought forward, which makes it more complex. I would have preferred to finish everything calmly. Now I'm already getting messages that are clearly intended for Anderlecht. When someone writes to me that a player is available for one million, you know enough.”
Why not Standard? Finally, Verwilghen explains why Anderlecht won out over Standard. “The job description was very different. At Anderlecht, the package is much broader: managing the scouting team, player detection, developing methodology, and helping to guide the sporting project.”
“At Standard, the role was more fragmented. Anderlecht is working towards a clear decision-making model with sporting and technical managers. The structure that the new management is developing is more in line with who I am. The challenge is great, but that is exactly what motivates me enormously.”
