Anderlecht loses talented striker for foreign adventure
Photo: © photonews Samuel Ntanda, the 21-year-old striker who was trained by Anderlecht until his 14th year, signs a three-year contract with União de Leiria in Portugal. This means he will not return to Belgium.
What happened?
Samuel Ntanda had a turbulent career path: youth years at KV Mechelen and Sint-Truiden, followed by a breakthrough at Sampdoria with ten appearances in the first team and even a substitute appearance in Serie A before the club was relegated.
Why is this important for Anderlecht?
Anderlecht paid around €700,000 to bring Ntanda back and placed him in the RSCA Futures. The first few months were promising: four goals and an assist in two months generated confidence, and the transition to the A-team seemed a possibility-thanks in part to the advice of Besnik Hasi.
What happens now?
Yesterday, Ntanda signed a three-year contract with União de Leiria, which plays in the Portuguese second division. It's a definitive transfer: the young striker leaves Neerpede to collect minutes in a new competition and complete his development.
Anderlecht currently stands 4th in the Jupiler Pro League, with 25 points from 32 games. The team has 13 wins, 8 draws, and 11 losses. The recent form is WLLLD.
The title race is currently 14 points behind the leaders, Union St. Gilloise. The next match is on 6 February 2027 against OH Leuven, away.
