Club Brugge has opened the door for Yannik Engelhardt, the 24‑year‑old defensive midfielder currently under contract with Como. The Red and Black are looking for a replacement for Aleksandar Stanković and anticipate a possible exit of Raphael Onyedika, raising the demand for a central pivot.
Engelhardt moved from Werder Bremen to SC Freiburg’s second team in 2023, after which Fortuna Düsseldorf paid €3.8 million. A year later Como bought him for €8 million and gave him 26 appearances. Because he didn’t break through as a starter, he was loaned last season to Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he featured in 33 matches, scored 2 goals, provided 2 assists and collected 8 yellow cards. Transfermarkt values him at roughly €7 million.
The Red and Black currently sit top of the Jupiler Pro League with 57 points, 28 wins, 4 draws and 8 losses from 40 games, recent form WDWWW. With 91 goals scored and 45 conceded (+46 goal difference) they lead Union St. Gilloise by 4 points. A solid defensive midfielder can cement that lead, especially now the club sees a potential gap in central midfield.
Engelhardt still has one year left on his Como contract, strengthening the Italian side’s bargaining power. Como is asking for a transfer fee around €8 million, similar to what they paid last year. SC Freiburg also shows interest, which could complicate negotiations. Club Brugge must balance a competitive offer with their budget while preserving their current top‑table status.
If the deal goes through, Club Brugge gains an experienced player accustomed to the German Bundesliga, a league comparable in intensity to the Jupiler Pro League. Engelhardt’s physical presence (1.84 m) and defensive discipline fit manager Ronny De Meyer’s style. A successful signing would help the club maintain its lead and ease pressure on the attacking line, further boosting their title chances for the 2026/27 season.
