OTHER Despite the approaching World Cup period, which often brings a spike in market values, RSCA accepted an offer of around €20 million for Nilson Angulo. It proved a considered decision, motivated by financial, sporting and strategic arguments. The club, although stabilized, faces several structural uncertainties: the reform of TV rights, a rise in VAT on tickets and the absence of European income. All those factors have produced an estimated shortfall of nearly €10 million.
All those factors have produced an estimated shortfall of nearly €10 million. In that context the sale of Angulo was a necessary evil to balance the books. That also means the proceeds can only be partly reinvested in new signings.
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Continue reading The case is not merely accounting. Since the summer Angulo had made it clear he wanted to move to a higher-ranked championship. His entourage even went so far as to invoke the law of 1978 to force a departure. Anderlecht managed to calm things temporarily with a new contract, but the player's urge to try his luck elsewhere never disappeared. That is notable. In truth Angulo only really broke through last autumn. The purple-and-whites have long had players who aim to move up too quickly. The absence of European football (and certainly the Champions League) undoubtedly plays a role in that.
Sportswise, Angulo remained a decisive figure — involved in thirteen goals this season — but his recent form dipped. The club feared an Amuzu scenario, in which a large offer finally evaporated. RSCA therefore chose to cash in when the player's value seemed highest, rather than gamble on a possible post-World Cup rise that was deemed too uncertain.
The departure of the young Ecuadorian opens space for a new generation: Kanaté, Degreef... The management wants to stick to a strategy focused on “high potentials,” as already seen with the arrivals of Cvetkovic, Dao and Angély. The arrival of Coba da Costa in the final hours of the transfer window fits that same line: a bet on potential, without immediate guarantees. In our view that is a noble but equally risky strategy. Without a handful of experienced anchors, the club risks burning through young talent quickly. Moreover, not every talent develops into a top player. In this way the club exposes itself to huge ups and downs, which can lead to missing out on European football and a new downward spiral.
