Belgium national football team players are making headlines at the end of the transfer window, with a potential return for Arthur Vermeeren and two confirmed moves to England's Premier League. These developments come as the Red Devils prepare for their next FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match.
Arthur Vermeeren could make a surprise return to the Jupiler Pro League with Royal Antwerp. The Antwerp-based club is exploring the possibility of bringing back their former midfielder on a loan deal. The 21-year-old, currently struggling for minutes at RB Leipzig, urgently needs to find a solution before the Belgian transfer window closes.
The Laatste Nieuws suggests Vermeeren himself would be open to a return to Flanders to revive his career. Antwerp has a concrete need in midfield following the departure of Jules Ahoka and financial constraints limiting their spending. RB Salzburg has also shown interest, but time is running out with the Belgian window shutting on Thursday night.
Arthur Vermeeren's career has stalled significantly since his triumphant departure from Antwerp in 2023. The Red Devil, crowned with a domestic double and praised for his Champions League performances against FC Barcelona, failed to establish himself at Atletico Madrid and later at Leipzig. A loan spell at Marseille last season also ended unsuccessfully.
Back at Leipzig this summer, the defensive midfielder does not feature in manager Martin Demichelis' plans. The situation is urgent for the player, who faces four months without game time if he doesn't find a new club soon. His potential return to Belgium would be a major coup for Antwerp and a chance to regain competitive rhythm.
The closing of the English transfer window saw two young Belgian internationals secure moves to the Premier League. Malick Fofana officially joined Sunderland after a last-minute saga, signing a five-year contract. The 21-year-old winger, a product of Gent's academy, leaves Olympique Lyonnais where he had played since January 2024.
Simultaneously, Matias Fernandez-Pardo secured his move to Newcastle United for a fee of 60 million euros. The young Red Devil, after a prolonged standoff with LOSC, thus joins the Premier League. These two moves occurred in a record-breaking window where Manchester City spent 145 million euros on Enzo Fernandez, equaling the most expensive transfer in English football history.
These player movements come at a specific time for the Belgian national team. The Red Devils currently sit top of their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying group, with 5 points from three matches. Their record stands at one win, two draws, and no losses, having scored six goals and conceded just two.
Belgium's last outing was a 2-1 defeat to Spain on 10 July 2026. Their recent form shows three wins and two losses from their last five matches. The manager must integrate these new club situations into his preparations.
The exact squad selection for the Italy match will be closely watched, especially with players like Fofana and Fernandez-Pardo changing their competitive environments. The 25 September encounter represents a significant test in the qualification race, against a direct group rival.
