Anderlecht is about to make a major transfer with Zeno Debast, who has been in the interest of top European clubs for a long time. The 20-year-old defender has proven his worth with impressive performances and is seen by Brian Riemer as a future star.
After rejecting several offers, Debast now appears to be heading for a possible transfer to Sporting Lisbon, where a five-year contract with a buyout fee of 80 million euros awaits him.
Anderlecht are hoping to hit the €20 million jackpot for Debast, dreaming he could become the club’s most expensive outgoing transfer since Jérémy Doku’s departure in 2021.
15 million euros: fixed minimum price for Debast
In May last, Zeno Debast signed a new three-year contract with RSC Anderlecht, and according to The last news Sporting was therefore too quick to beat several Premier League clubs.
For almost the entire summer mercato, Anderlecht feared a departure for Debast, because he was also on the list at Ajax, Fiorentina and Internazionale. In July, Eintracht Frankfurt and Villarreal even made a proposal to Anderlecht, reportedly worth around 10 million euros each, including bonuses.
Both offers were resolutely rejected by Anderlecht, despite the 20-year-old defender having reached an agreement in principle with Frankfurt. Anderlecht asked for at least 15 million euros for Debast, and the people of Brussels even dreamed of an amount of 20 million euros.
In August, PSV Eindhoven also made an offer to Anderlecht, which was reportedly higher than that of Frankfurt and Villarreal, but the Dutch offer also did not meet the minimum asking price of 15 million euros.
Anderlecht and PSV then had several more discussions, including with the player himself, but the Brussels club had no intention of selling Debast for less than the target price.
“Within five years, Debast will be playing at the absolute top of Europe”
Zeno Debast remained loyal to Anderlecht this season and a departure during the previous winter mercato was also completely ruled out. The young defender first wanted to develop further alongside Jan Vertonghen and earn a place in the Red Devils selection for the European Championship.
During the current season, Debast continues to improve as a footballer, making significant progress and being an indispensable link in the purple and white defense.
It is therefore no surprise that Debast finished 25th in the Golden Boy election, third Belgian after Johan Bakayoko (12th) and Arthur Vermeeren (14th), and ahead of Roméo Lavia (28th).
His strong performances this season have taken him to the next level. “For me, Debast is the best central defender in Belgium,” said Jan Vertonghen The last news about him.
And he has grown even further in that skill. “With the ball, Zeno is at international level. Premier League level,” Brian Riemer later told the same newspaper. “Give Zeno another five years and he will play at the absolute top of Europe,” said Riemer.
“Debast will one day become one of the best defenders in the world”
Zeno Debast is currently achieving his goals with flying colors. He got his chance with the Red Devils and grabbed it with both hands, while also working hard on his weaknesses: he became defensively stronger, more aggressive and also better in aerial duels.
“For me, Zeno is one of the best players in Belgium. I even think he is top European on the ball. His passing, his decision making and the confidence he exudes. But he has also made great strides defensively,” said Jan Vertonghen The last news.
“He is no longer Jan Vertonghen’s sidekick, but is increasingly becoming his equal,” he said The newspapaer fixed. “Despite his young age, he has become a boss next to big boss Jan Vertonghen. Debast has not only grown defensively, but he has also evolved in the build-up,” emphasizes La Dernière Heure.
Brian Riemer said that Debast can do things that no one else in Belgium can. “I think he will one day be one of the best defenders in the world.”
Debast must be the most expensive transfer since Doku
“It is clear that the Red Devil is playing his last matches at Lotto Park,” said The last news. A five-year contract is ready for Zeno Debast in Lisbon, which includes a high buyout sum of no less than 80 million.
Anderlecht quietly hoped for the dream price of 20 million euros, and that amount seems to be gradually becoming realistic. According to HLN even 20 million euros has become a minimum.
Debast should therefore become the most impressive outgoing transfer since Jérémy Doku’s move to Stade Reims in 2021. Doku then left for France for 26 million euros.
Tags: Blast transfer Anderlecht deal Doku
-
