Sporting director Antoine Sibierski has explained RSC Anderlecht's transfer strategy following a historic summer of multi-million euro spending. The article 2026 by HLN Voetbal, details how the club prepared for a busy season featuring Europa League football.
The club currently sits 11th in the Jupiler Pro League with six points from four matches. Their goal difference stands at minus two, having scored three and conceded five. Recent form has been mixed with wins and losses.
Antoine Sibierski, the sporting director, was given the green light to open the cheque book this time. The board approved an investment exceeding 15 million euros to strengthen the squad. This historic transfer summer was deemed necessary after Anderlecht qualified for the Europa League. The club aimed to be competitive on two fronts: the domestic league and the European tournament.
One of the key signings was Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros. His arrival was intended to boost creativity in the centre of the park. The spending spree marked a clear ambition after a period of financial restraint. Manager Vítor Bruno's team thus received the resources to handle a full season.
Fan support was not unanimously positive after the first league matches. Discontent was audible from the stands following a narrow victory against KV Kortrijk. That criticism grew louder after a defeat to arch-rivals Union Saint-Gilloise in the Brussels derby. That setback cost the club points in the title race, where they now trail leaders Union by seven points.
Manager Vítor Bruno took full responsibility after that loss. "This loss is my fault," the Portuguese coach said. Later, after an important win, he expressed pride. "I am very proud of my team," Bruno stated. The fluctuating results have created a tense atmosphere around the club, which is under pressure to justify the investments with sporting success.
The season is still young, but the challenges are significant. Alongside the league and Europa League, Anderlecht also played in the qualifying rounds of that European competition, an adventure dubbed 'Expedition Almaty'. The squad is deeper but still needs to gel. Player Adriano Bertaccini is one of the men expected to deliver more.
An additional concern is the injury to Lucas Hey, who is currently sidelined. His absence is felt. The coming weeks are important, starting with the away fixture against KV Mechelen on September 11. Mechelen sits 15th in the table, presenting an opportunity for three points. Fans can follow the preparations via our squad page and the current standings.
The focus now shifts entirely to the return to league action. The match against KV Mechelen on September 11 is the next target. European commitments will follow shortly after. It is up to Sibierski, Bruno, and the players to justify the summer's multi-million euro leap. The coming months will reveal if the investment pays off. The full schedule is available in the fixtures.
