Bluvn goan, also in terms of transfer. Club has already signed Ardon Jashari (21), the plan is to also sign Zaid Romero (24). Discussions with the Argentinian defender are ongoing and the transfer is as good as completed.
It has been a theme for months, perhaps even years: Club needs a left-footed central defender. The backline has also received a lot of criticism this season, especially when Club lacked stability under Ronny Deila, but in recent weeks Nicky Hayen has turned the Bruges defense into an asset: in the seven games under his reign, the Blues conceded only 3 goals. Previously, however, the sporting management had already judged that the search for fresh blood had to be intensified.
Club finally tracked down its dream signing in Argentina: number one on the wish list is Zaid Romero from Estudiantes. The 24-year-old is a left-footed central defender who combines great technical skills with a sturdy build (1.93 m). An all-rounder. Since Romero switched from Godoy Cruz in January 2023, he quickly became one of the strongholds at Estudiantes. At the end of last year he won the Copa Argentina with top club.
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Romero’s (right) transfer value is estimated at 3.2 million euros, but the Argentinians are aiming for double that. — © Getty Images
The negotiations are in a final phase. Club Brugge has already had far-reaching discussions with Estudiantes and is nearing an agreement on a transfer fee of around 5.5 to 6 million euros. Romero’s transfer value is estimated at 3.2 million euros, but the Argentines initially aimed for more than double that. Club had also sat around the table with Romero himself. The player is interested in a move to West Flanders. A deal at all levels has not yet been reached, but that seems to be a matter of time.
There were privateers on the coast. Romero, among others, had Brazilian high-flyer Palmeiras on his radar. There was also interest from other European competitions, but according to our information, Club seems to be winning the argument. The presence of Dévy Rigaux should not be underestimated. The director of football speaks fluent Spanish and has excellent contacts in South America, including Argentina.
Proactive
Should Romero actually sign for Club – which is the expectation – then he will already be the second summer signing. The people of Bruges already announced Ardon Jashari (21) in April. The Swiss midfielder comes over from Lucerne in his home country for six million euros.
What is clear is that Club is busy preparing for the next season. For the coaching file – will Hayen stay on or will there be a new coach? – the board will wait and see in the coming weeks, a technical director may also be appointed, but as far as the composition of the core is concerned, Club is working proactively. Sensible, because there is a real chance that several strong players will leave: Igor Thiago (to Brentford) has already left, Skov Olsen and Onyedika are being sniffed at.
