Sint Truiden Undergoes Significant Changes Ahead of New Season
Last season’s unexpected standout, Sint Truiden, has experienced a number of changes as they prepare for the upcoming season. With Wouter Vrancken departing for Hearts and several key players leaving, the team now looks to Frederic De Meyer to steer them. The squad currently appears too thin to effectively compete in both the Belgian Pro League and European tournaments. Expectations remain high that more signings will be made before the transfer window closes.
Transfers in: Joedrick Pupe (Vancouver, loan made permanent), Frederic Soelle Soelle (RWDM), Nelson Ishiwatari (Cerezo Osaka), Ryotaro Araki (Kashima Antlers)
Transfers out: Rihito Yamamoto (Freiburg), Ryotaro Ito (free), Jo Coppens (free), Simen Kristiansen Juklerod (Duajska Streda), Andres Ferrari (Sporting Gijon), Isaias Delpupo (Patro Eisden), Adam Nhaili (Dender)
Key player: Abdoulaye Sissako
Abdoulaye Sissako emerged as a cornerstone of last season’s efforts, demonstrating vital skills in ball recovery and aiding transitions from defense to attack. With Yamamoto’s departure to Freiburg, Sissako stands out as the sole dedicated ball-winning midfielder, increasing his significance as Sint Truiden faces formidable competition in Europe.
Young player to watch: Nelson Ishiwatari
Anticipation surrounds Ishiwatari, who aims to step into Yamamoto’s shoes. Another talent sourced from the J League by the club’s Japanese ownership, he aspires to replicate the paths of Yamamoto and Joel Chima Fujitia, who both transitioned to the Bundesliga after their time with Sint Truiden. The 21-year-old joined from Cerezo Osaka this summer with similar aspirations.
Last seasons surprise package, Sint Truiden are much changed this season. Wouter Vrancken has gone to Hearts, while a few key players have also left. Frederic De Meyer steps up to take control of a squad that is far too light to compete in Europe and the Belgian Pro League. Expect to see a few more signings made by the Canaries before the end of the window.
Transfers in: Joedrick Pupe (Vancouver, loan made permanent), Frederic Soelle Soelle (RWDM), Nelson Ishiwatari) Cerezo Osaka), Ryotaro Araki (Kashima Antlers)
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Transfers out: Rihito Yamamoto (Freiburg), Ryotaro Ito (free), Jo Coppens (free), Simen Kristiansen Juklerod (Duajska Streda), Andres Ferrari (Sporting Gijon), Isaias Delpupo (Patro Eisden), Adam Nhaili (Dender)
Key player: Abdoulaye Sissako
The unsung hero of last seasons campaign, Abdoulaye Sissako was crucial in providing Sint Truiden a base from which to play from. His ability to win back the ball and help the side transition from defence to attack was underrated and, given Yamamoto has left for Freiburg, he really is the only out and out ball winning midfielder that they have. Given the likelihood that they will face stiff opposition in Europe, Sissako will be even more crucial.
Young player to watch: Nelson Ishiwatari
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On that basis, eyes will be on Ishiwatari to see if he can be the sides next Yamamoto. He is another one plucked from the J League by the Japanese owners and will hope to follow in the footsteps of Yamamoto and Joel Chima Fujitia. Both made their way to the Bundesliga by leaving the J League and joining Sint Truiden. The 21-year-old left Cerezo Osaka this summer hoping to pursue the same path.
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