Stroeykens’ departure keeps dragging on: Anderlecht looks for an exit

FRIDAY, 7 AUGUST 2026, 05:29 - emjomi
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TRANSFERS Mario Stroeykens did not travel to Greece for the Europa League clash with PAOK. The 21-year-old midfielder is nursing a minor injury and is being left out as a precaution. His absence, however, changes little about his current situation, as he also appears unlikely to play a prominent role on sporting grounds for the time being. The Neerpede player had hoped to seal a transfer this summer and begin pre-season with a new club.

Despite interest from home and abroad, no agreement has materialised so far. That Stroeykens is ready for a new challenge has been clear for some time. Although he extended his contract until 2028 last season, that was mainly intended to give Anderlecht stronger bargaining power in the event of a sale. His representatives have been assessing the market since winter. Italian side Parma was among the clubs mentioned as a possible destination, while teams from France and Germany are also closely monitoring his situation.
For now, no breakthrough has been reached. Not because of a lack of interest, but because many clubs prefer to wait until the closing weeks of the transfer window, when asking prices often drop and extra opportunities arise.


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Since the arrival of coach Vitor Bruno, Stroeykens has so far seen little prospect of playing time. During pre-season he barely featured, and in the European ties against Hammarby he remained on the bench for the full match on both occasions. Against PAOK, he is now ruled out with a minor injury. For a player looking to relaunch his career, it is far from an ideal situation. Stroeykens feels he is ready for an environment where he can once again take on an important role and play regularly. Despite his limited role, Stroeykens remains an attractive prospect for foreign clubs. The 21-year-old midfielder has already made more than 100 appearances for Anderlecht and is regarded as a technically strong, versatile player.

For Anderlecht, the Neerpede academy product also represents a potentially significant transfer fee. The Brussels club are therefore prepared to cooperate with a departure, provided the right offer comes in. With only a few weeks left in the transfer window, the Stroeykens file appears likely to be one that only accelerates in the final stretch. For both player and club, clarity is the main wish.

Source: voetbalkrant.com