Anderlecht is set to lose one of its brightest youth talents. Habib Zinbi, a 19-year-old midfielder who has impressed in recent months, has completed a transfer to Real Madrid. The Brussels-based club confirmed the deal this week after months of speculation and negotiations. Fernandez-Pardo, Anderlecht’s technical staff, personally congratulated the player on the move.
What happened?
Zinbi’s transfer to Real Madrid is now official. The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined Anderlecht’s youth academy in 2021, has signed with the Spanish giants. Club sources indicate the deal had been in the works for some time, with the official announcement only coming now. Last season, Zinbi made 22 appearances for Anderlecht in the Jupiler Pro League, scoring twice and providing three assists. His performances caught the eye of multiple European top clubs, but Real Madrid emerged as the frontrunner.
Why it matters for Anderlecht
For Anderlecht, this departure marks the loss of a promising talent. Zinbi was one of the standout youngsters in the academy and made his first-team debut last season. His move underscores the club’s ability to develop players who can excel at the highest level. Anderlecht currently sits fourth in the Jupiler Pro League with 25 points from 32 games and a +4 goal difference. However, the club trails leaders Union St. Gilloise by 14 points, adding pressure to deliver results.
What’s next for Anderlecht?
With Zinbi’s departure, Anderlecht must now look to new talents to bolster its ranks. The club has already promoted several youth players to the first team, but will need to keep investing in its academy to stay competitive. The next fixture is scheduled for February 13, 2027, against KV Mechelen-a match that could give a new generation of players a chance to shine. For Zinbi, a fresh challenge awaits in Madrid, where he’ll face one of the most competitive leagues in world football.
