Anderlecht is implementing a radical modernisation of its scouting department under new sporting director Antoine Sibierski.
Antoine Sibierski, who once drove 870 kilometres to convince a player, is the new boss. He works alongside Scouting & Recruitment Director David Verwilghen and newly appointed Recruitment Data Specialist Hugo Rios-Neto. This restructuring comes against the backdrop of the current sporting situation: Anderlecht sit 11th in the Jupiler Pro League with 7 points from 5 games.
The arrival of Hugo Rios-Neto marks a fundamental shift in direction. Where scouting previously relied heavily on personal networks and miles travelled, a scientific, data-driven methodology is now being implemented. This system aims to identify players more objectively and efficiently, a necessity in today's competitive transfer market. The club hopes this will structurally improve squad quality, which is sorely needed after an inconsistent start to the season with a DWLLW form sequence.
The scouting overhaul is not an isolated action but part of a wider reform under Sibierski. Anderlecht recently confirmed the signing of Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros, an early fruit of the new policy. Simultaneously, a legal claim regarding the sale of the club was dismissed by the court, providing stability for the future. This stability is essential for implementing long-term plans. Fans can follow the full squad on our squad page.
Despite internal progress, the club faces external setbacks. A proposal from coach Vítor Bruno to schedule matches on Monday evenings was rejected by the Pro League. His first defeat also led to increased criticism of his position. Bruno himself stated, “If it were possible, we would play against Almaty tomorrow”: how his first defeat has only stoked the fire within Vítor Bruno. The coming weeks are decisive, starting with the home match against Zulte Waregem on September 19.
The new scouting method should attract better players in the long term, but the current team must perform in the short term. With 3 goals scored and 5 conceded, there is room for improvement. The absence of Lucas Hey through injury limits defensive options. The upcoming schedule, including the clash with 5th-placed Zulte Waregem, is a first test. Supporters can check the full fixtures list for all dates. The modernisation is underway, but the real measure remains the league table.
