Genk director calls Club Brugge naive over transfer approach

KRC Genk technical director Dimitri de Condé says Club Brugge was naive to think it could sign a top talent for six million euros, highlighting the financial tensions between Belgium's leading clubs.

KRC Genk's technical director has called Club Brugge naive over a transfer approach this summer. Dimitri de Condé reacted to the idea that Club could pick up one of Genk's top talents for six million euros.

"That Club Brugge thought it could pick up one of our top talents for 6 million euros was naive," De Condé said in a conversation with HLN Voetbal. He explained that the market value of such players is much higher and that Genk felt no pressure to sell. The remarks come as Club Brugge sits third in the Jupiler Pro League with twelve points from five matches.

Transfer summer

De Condé looked back on the entire summer period for his club. He stressed that Genk emerged strongly from the transfer window by retaining key players. The club did sell some players but resisted the temptation to touch its absolute core. The technical director did not name names, but the implication was clear that Club Brugge had shown interest in one of Genk's biggest talents.

Relations

The comments sharpen the relations between Belgium's top clubs. They show that competition in the transfer market is intense and that clubs like Genk do not let their valuable players go easily. Club Brugge, which currently has a goal difference of plus seven, is known as an active player in the domestic market. The next confrontation between the two teams is coming soon.

Upcoming clash

Both teams meet this weekend at the Jan Breydel Stadium. That match on 20 September now carries extra weight after De Condé's statements. Club Brugge is unbeaten in its last five league matches, with a sequence of DWDWW. The last meeting, on Boxing Day last year, was a spectacle that Club Brugge won 5-3. Fans can follow the preparations and lineup via our squad page.

De Condé concluded by stating that Genk is satisfied with its current squad and is looking forward to the new season. For Club Brugge, it means the search for reinforcements must continue elsewhere. The focus is now fully on the upcoming home game, where the three points are vital to close the three-point gap to leaders Gent. The full league schedule can be found on our standings overview.