KAA Gent Midfielders 2024/25
KAA Gent, one of Belgium’s most storied football clubs, has consistently been a breeding ground for talented players who excel both domestically and on the European stage. The 2024/25 season is no exception, as the club boasts a midfield unit brimming with skill, versatility, and tactical intelligence. This season’s midfield roster features a blend of experienced campaigners, rising stars, and shrewd acquisitions, all of whom contribute to the team’s dynamic playing style. In this post, we will take an in-depth look at each of KAA Gent’s midfielders, exploring their backgrounds, strengths, and contributions to the team.
Sven Kums
Nationality: Belgian
Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (from Anderlecht in 2019)
Former Clubs: Anderlecht, Udinese, Heerenveen.
Sven Kums is the heartbeat of KAA Gent’s midfield, a player whose vision and composure on the ball make him indispensable. The Belgian maestro, now in his mid-thirties, continues to defy age with his consistent performances. Kums initially joined Gent in 2014, helping the club secure their first-ever Belgian Pro League title in 2015. After stints abroad and a return to Anderlecht, he rejoined Gent in 2019, where he has since become a club legend. Known for his pinpoint passing and ability to dictate the tempo of the game, Kums is also a set-piece specialist, contributing crucial goals and assists. His leadership on and off the pitch makes him a vital figure in the dressing room.
Hyun-Seok Hong
Nationality: South Korean
Transfer Fee: €2 million (from Paide Linnameeskond in 2023)
Former Clubs: Paide Linnameeskond, Pohang Steelers.
Hyun-Seok Hong is one of the most exciting young talents in KAA Gent’s midfield. The South Korean international joined the club in 2023 after impressing in Estonia with Paide Linnameeskond. Hong’s technical ability and work rate have quickly made him a fan favorite. At just 22 years old, he possesses a rare combination of creativity and defensive awareness, often breaking up opposition play before launching attacks. His adaptability allows him to play in multiple midfield roles, making him a valuable asset for the coaching staff. Hong’s rise has also caught the attention of the South Korean national team, where he is seen as a future star.
Julien De Sart
Nationality: Belgian
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (from Zulte Waregem in 2022)
Former Clubs: Zulte Waregem, Middlesbrough, Standard Liège.
Julien De Sart is a midfield enforcer whose physicality and tactical intelligence provide balance to KAA Gent’s lineup. The Belgian midfielder, who stands at 6’2”, is a dominant presence in the center of the park, excelling in aerial duels and tackles. De Sart’s journey has taken him from Standard Liège’s academy to Middlesbrough in England, before returning to Belgium with Zulte Waregem. Since joining Gent in 2022, he has been a reliable performer, often tasked with shielding the defense and initiating counterattacks. His ability to read the game and break up play has been crucial in high-stakes matches.
Alessio Castro-Montes
Nationality: Belgian
Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Former Clubs: None
A product of KAA Gent’s renowned youth academy, Alessio Castro-Montes has grown into one of the team’s most versatile players. Primarily a midfielder, Castro-Montes is equally comfortable playing as a right-back or winger, showcasing his adaptability and tactical understanding. His energy and willingness to track back make him a valuable asset in both attack and defense. Castro-Montes’ technical skills and ability to deliver dangerous crosses have earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup. As a homegrown talent, he embodies the club’s commitment to nurturing young players.
Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe
Nationality: Belgian
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (in 2022)
Former Clubs: Club Brugge, Hamburger SV, Nottingham Forest.
Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe is a seasoned campaigner whose experience and technical prowess add depth to KAA Gent’s midfield. The Belgian international, who has represented his country at the highest level, brings a wealth of knowledge from his time at clubs like Club Brugge and Hamburger SV. Odjidja-Ofoe’s ability to drive forward with the ball and unleash powerful shots from distance makes him a constant threat. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, he remains a key figure in the squad, often coming off the bench to provide stability and creativity in tight matches.
Matisse Samoise
Nationality: Belgian
Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Former Clubs: None
Matisse Samoise is another gem from KAA Gent’s youth system, a dynamic midfielder known for his relentless work rate and tenacity. At just 21 years old, Samoise has already established himself as a regular starter, thanks to his ability to cover ground and disrupt opposition play. His box-to-box style of play allows him to contribute at both ends of the pitch, making him a complete midfielder. Samoise’s development has been rapid, and he is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Belgian football. His commitment to the club and hunger for success make him a fan favorite.
Elisha Owusu
Nationality: French-Ghanaian
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (from Lyon in 2022)
Former Clubs: Lyon, Sochaux.
Elisha Owusu is a midfield powerhouse whose physicality and technical skills make him a key player for KAA Gent. The French-Ghanaian midfielder joined the club in 2022 after spending time in Lyon’s academy and playing for Sochaux in Ligue 2. Owusu’s ability to win duels and retain possession under pressure has been instrumental in Gent’s midfield battles. His passing range and composure on the ball allow him to transition seamlessly from defense to attack. Owusu’s performances have also earned him a call-up to the Ghanaian national team, where he continues to impress on the international stage.
Archie Brown
Nationality: English
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (from Lausanne-Sport in 2023)
Former Clubs: Lausanne-Sport, Derby County.
Archie Brown is a versatile midfielder who joined KAA Gent in 2023 after a successful spell in Switzerland with Lausanne-Sport. The Englishman, who began his career at Derby County, is known for his technical ability and flair. Brown’s dribbling skills and vision make him a constant threat in the final third, while his work ethic ensures he contributes defensively as well. At 22, he is still developing but has already shown glimpses of his potential, making him an exciting prospect for the future. Brown’s adaptability allows him to play in various midfield roles, adding depth to the squad.
Núrio Fortuna
Nationality: Angolan
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (from Guingamp in 2023)
Former Clubs: Guingamp, Braga.
Núrio Fortuna is a dynamic midfielder whose pace and technical skills have made him a standout performer for KAA Gent. The Angolan international joined the club in 2023 from Guingamp, where he had established himself as one of Ligue 2’s most exciting talents. Fortuna’s ability to take on defenders and deliver precise crosses has added a new dimension to Gent’s attack. His versatility allows him to play as a winger or central midfielder, providing the coaching staff with tactical flexibility. Fortuna’s performances have also earned him a regular spot in the Angolan national team, where he continues to shine.
Ismaël Kandouss
Nationality: Moroccan
Transfer Fee: €1 million (from Union SG in 2022)
Former Clubs: Union SG, Mouscron.
Ismaël Kandouss is a hardworking midfielder whose defensive contributions often go unnoticed but are crucial to KAA Gent’s success. The Moroccan joined the club in 2022 from Union SG, where he had developed a reputation for his tenacity and tactical discipline. Kandouss’ ability to break up play and recycle possession makes him an essential part of the midfield unit. While not the most flashy player, his consistency and reliability have earned him the trust of the coaching staff. Kandouss’ work ethic and team-first mentality make him a valuable asset in the squad.
Conclusion
KAA Gent’s midfield for the 2024/25 season is a perfect blend of experience, youth, and versatility. From the leadership of Sven Kums to the energy of Matisse Samoise and the creativity of Hyun-Seok Hong, each player brings something unique to the table. The club’s commitment to developing young talent, combined with shrewd signings, ensures that the midfield remains a stronghold for years to come. As Gent continues to compete on multiple fronts, the contributions of these midfielders will be pivotal in achieving success. With such a talented group, the future looks bright for KAA Gent.
