Oud-Heverlee Leuven Squad 2024/25
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for Oud-Heverlee Leuven as the club continues to build on its recent progress in Belgian football. Known for its ambitious recruitment strategy and commitment to nurturing young talent, OH Leuven has assembled a squad that blends experience, youth, and international flair. This season’s roster is a testament to the club’s vision of competing at the highest level while maintaining a sustainable model. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the squad, categorizing players into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with an in-depth analysis of each individual.
Goalkeepers
- Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson
- Nationality: Icelandic
- Former Clubs: FC Nordsjælland, Dijon FCO, Arsenal, Alanyaspor
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Rúnarsson joined OH Leuven in 2023 after a mixed spell at Arsenal, where he struggled for consistent game time. The Icelandic shot-stopper is known for his agility, reflexes, and ability to command his penalty area. Standing at 1.86 meters, he brings a wealth of experience from his time in Denmark, France, and Turkey. Rúnarsson’s distribution skills and composure under pressure make him a vital asset for OH Leuven’s build-up play. His leadership qualities have also seen him take on a mentoring role for younger goalkeepers in the squad.
- Kawin Thamsatchanan
- Nationality: Thai
- Former Clubs: Muangthong United, OH Leuven (loan), Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Thamsatchanan returned to OH Leuven permanently in 2022 after a successful loan spell. The Thai international is celebrated for his quick reflexes and ability to pull off spectacular saves. Despite facing competition for the starting spot, his dedication and professionalism have made him a fan favorite. Thamsatchanan’s experience in both Asian and European football adds depth to the goalkeeping department.
- Nordin Jackers
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Genk, Lommel SK
- Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2021)
Jackers is a promising young goalkeeper who has steadily developed since joining OH Leuven. Known for his shot-stopping ability and confidence in one-on-one situations, he represents the future of the club’s goalkeeping unit. Jackers’ performances in training and cup matches have shown glimpses of his potential, and he is expected to challenge for more playing time this season.
Defenders
- Pierre-Yves Ngawa
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Standard Liège, Waasland-Beveren
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2023)
Ngawa is a versatile defender capable of playing both center-back and right-back. His physicality, aerial prowess, and tactical intelligence make him a key figure in OH Leuven’s backline. Ngawa’s ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has earned him a reputation as a reliable defender. His leadership on the pitch and experience in the Belgian Pro League add stability to the defense.
- Louis Patris
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Olympique Lyonnais B, FC Villefranche-Beaujolais
- Transfer Fee: €750,000 (2022)
Patris joined OH Leuven in 2022 and has since established himself as a dependable right-back. Known for his pace, stamina, and crossing ability, he is a modern full-back who contributes equally to defense and attack. Patris’ work rate and ability to overlap make him a valuable asset in wide areas. His consistent performances have made him a regular starter.
- Sacha Bastien
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Standard Liège, KAS Eupen
- Transfer Fee: €800,000 (2023)
Bastien is a composed and technically gifted center-back who excels in building play from the back. His ability to read the game and make timely tackles has been crucial for OH Leuven. Bastien’s leadership qualities and experience in the Belgian top flight make him a cornerstone of the defense. His partnership with Ngawa has been instrumental in the team’s defensive solidity.
- Ferdi Kadioglu
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: NEC Nijmegen, Fenerbahçe
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Kadioglu joined OH Leuven in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the Turkish Süper Lig. A versatile player who can operate as a left-back or winger, Kadioglu is known for his dribbling skills, crossing ability, and defensive awareness. His attacking contributions and ability to deliver pinpoint set-pieces make him a standout performer.
- Mathieu Maertens
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Club Brugge, KV Oostende
- Transfer Fee: €600,000 (2022)
Maertens is a versatile defender who can play across the backline. His adaptability, combined with his physicality and technical skills, makes him a valuable squad player. Maertens’ experience in the Belgian Pro League and his ability to perform under pressure have been crucial in tight matches.
Midfielders
- Xavier Mercier
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Cercle Brugge, KRC Genk, OH Leuven (previous stint)
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Mercier returned to OH Leuven in 2023 after a successful spell at KRC Genk. The French playmaker is known for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. Mercier’s creativity and set-piece expertise make him a key figure in the midfield. His leadership and experience have been instrumental in guiding the team’s younger players.
- Jonas Wind
- Nationality: Danish
- Former Clubs: FC Copenhagen, Wolfsburg
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (2024)
Wind joined OH Leuven in 2024, bringing with him a reputation as one of Denmark’s most promising midfielders. Known for his technical ability, work rate, and eye for goal, Wind is a box-to-box midfielder who excels in both defensive and attacking phases. His arrival has added a new dimension to the team’s midfield.
- Jérémy Pied
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Lyon, Southampton, OGC Nice
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Pied is an experienced midfielder who joined OH Leuven in 2023. Known for his versatility, he can play as a central midfielder or on the wing. Pied’s technical skills, passing accuracy, and tactical intelligence make him a valuable asset. His experience in top European leagues adds depth to the squad.
- Kristiyan Malinov
- Nationality: Bulgarian
- Former Clubs: CSKA Sofia, Fiorentina
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2023)
Malinov is a dynamic midfielder known for his energy, tackling ability, and passing range. The Bulgarian international has been a consistent performer since joining OH Leuven, providing balance to the midfield. His ability to break up play and initiate attacks has been crucial to the team’s success.
Forwards
- Thomas Henry
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Tubize, OH Leuven (previous stint), Venezia
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2023)
Henry returned to OH Leuven in 2023 after a stint in Italy. The towering striker is known for his aerial ability, hold-up play, and clinical finishing. Henry’s physical presence and goal-scoring prowess make him a focal point of the attack. His experience and leadership have been invaluable to the team.
- Mario González
- Nationality: Spanish
- Former Clubs: Villarreal, CD Tenerife, SC Braga
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
González joined OH Leuven in 2024, bringing with him a reputation as a prolific goal-scorer. The Spanish forward is known for his movement, finishing, and ability to link up play. González’s arrival has added firepower to the attack, and he is expected to be a key player this season.
- Tasos Chatzigiovanis
- Nationality: Greek
- Former Clubs: Panathinaikos, APOEL
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Chatzigiovanis is a versatile forward who can play on the wing or as a second striker. Known for his pace, dribbling skills, and creativity, he has been a consistent threat in the final third. The Greek international’s ability to create chances and score goals makes him a valuable asset.
- Nathan Opoku
- Nationality: Ghanaian
- Former Clubs: Feyenoord Academy, Leicester City
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2023)
Opoku is a young and exciting forward who joined OH Leuven in 2023. Known for his pace, agility, and technical skills, he has shown great potential in his limited appearances. Opoku’s development will be closely monitored this season as he looks to establish himself in the first team.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Oud-Heverlee Leuven squad is a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talents. With a strong emphasis on tactical flexibility and attacking football, the team is well-equipped to compete in the Belgian Pro League and make a mark in domestic cup competitions. The recruitment strategy has focused on adding depth and quality to every position, ensuring that the squad is prepared for the challenges ahead. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to an exciting brand of football and the continued growth of their beloved club.