KAA Gent Squad 2024/25: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for KAA Gent, as the Belgian club continues to build on its rich history and competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions. Known for their strategic recruitment and development of talent, Gent has assembled a squad that blends experienced veterans with promising young stars. This season’s roster reflects a careful balance of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower, ensuring the team remains a formidable force in the Jupiler Pro League and beyond. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the squad, categorized by position, and provide an in-depth analysis of each player.
Goalkeepers
- Paul Nardi
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: AS Monaco, Cercle Brugge
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2022)
Paul Nardi has established himself as a reliable presence between the posts for KAA Gent. Known for his sharp reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Nardi has been instrumental in Gent’s defensive stability. His ability to read the game and make crucial saves in high-pressure situations has earned him the trust of both teammates and fans. Nardi’s experience in Ligue 1 with Monaco and his subsequent stint at Cercle Brugge have honed his skills, making him one of the top goalkeepers in Belgium.
- Davy Roef
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Anderlecht, Deportivo La Coruña
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
Davy Roef serves as a dependable backup to Nardi, bringing a wealth of experience to the squad. A product of Anderlecht’s famed youth academy, Roef has spent time in Spain with Deportivo La Coruña, where he gained valuable exposure to different playing styles. His shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure make him a reliable option when called upon. Roef’s leadership qualities also make him a key figure in the dressing room.
- Jordi Vanlerberghe
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Club Brugge (youth), Zulte Waregem (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
As the third-choice goalkeeper, Jordi Vanlerberghe represents the future of Gent’s goalkeeping department. A product of Club Brugge’s youth system, Vanlerberghe joined Gent to further his development. While he has yet to make a significant first-team impact, his performances in training and reserve matches have shown promise. His agility and quick reflexes make him a player to watch in the coming years.
Defenders
- Joseph Okumu
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Former Clubs: Real Monarchs, IF Elfsborg
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
Joseph Okumu has quickly become a cornerstone of Gent’s defense since his arrival in 2023. The Kenyan international is known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and ability to play out from the back. His time in Sweden with IF Elfsborg helped him adapt to European football, and he has since become one of the most consistent center-backs in the league. Okumu’s leadership and tactical awareness make him a vital asset.
- Nurio Fortuna
- Nationality: Angolan
- Former Clubs: FC Porto, Nantes
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2021)
Nurio Fortuna is a dynamic left-back who combines defensive solidity with attacking flair. His pace and dribbling skills make him a constant threat down the flank, while his defensive discipline ensures he rarely gets caught out of position. Fortuna’s experience in top leagues like Ligue 1 and the Primeira Liga has made him a key player for Gent, contributing both goals and assists from his advanced position.
- Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui
- Nationality: Cameroonian
- Former Clubs: Slavia Prague, Mainz 05
- Transfer Fee: €4 million (2023)
A towering presence in defense, Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui brings a wealth of experience to Gent’s backline. The Cameroonian international has excelled in both the Czech First League and the Bundesliga, showcasing his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions. His leadership and organizational skills have been pivotal in maintaining Gent’s defensive structure.
- Daniele Rugani
- Nationality: Italian
- Former Clubs: Juventus, Cagliari (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Daniele Rugani’s arrival in 2024 was a major coup for Gent. The Italian defender, known for his time at Juventus, brings top-level experience and composure to the squad. Rugani’s ability to play out from the back and his positional awareness make him a perfect fit for Gent’s style of play. His signing on a free transfer highlights the club’s ability to attract high-caliber talent.
- Sven Kums
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Anderlecht, Udinese
- Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2019)
Although primarily a midfielder, Sven Kums has occasionally filled in at right-back, showcasing his versatility. The Belgian veteran is known for his technical ability, vision, and leadership. Kums’ experience in Serie A with Udinese and his successful spells in Belgium make him a valuable asset, both on and off the pitch.
Midfielders
- Hyun-Seok Hong
- Nationality: South Korean
- Former Clubs: Pohang Steelers, PAOK
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Hyun-Seok Hong has quickly become a fan favorite at Gent due to his work rate and technical ability. The South Korean midfielder is known for his precise passing, dribbling skills, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His time in Greece with PAOK helped him adapt to European football, and he has since become a key player in Gent’s midfield.
- Julien De Sart
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Middlesbrough, Zulte Waregem
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2020)
Julien De Sart is a versatile midfielder who can play both defensively and in a more advanced role. His physicality and ability to break up play make him a crucial part of Gent’s midfield. De Sart’s experience in England with Middlesbrough and his consistent performances in Belgium have solidified his place in the squad.
- Alessio Castro-Montes
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Anderlecht (youth), Oostende
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2021)
Alessio Castro-Montes is a dynamic midfielder known for his energy and box-to-box capabilities. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset. Castro-Montes’ time at Oostende helped him develop into a well-rounded player, and he has since become a key figure in Gent’s midfield.
- Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Club Brugge, Norwich City
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe brings creativity and experience to Gent’s midfield. The Belgian international is known for his vision, passing range, and ability to score from distance. His time in England with Norwich City and his successful spells in Belgium make him a valuable addition to the squad.
Forwards
- Gift Orban
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Former Clubs: Stabæk, Bodo/Glimt
- Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (2023)
Gift Orban has taken the Jupiler Pro League by storm since his arrival in 2023. The Nigerian striker is known for his pace, finishing ability, and clinical edge in front of goal. Orban’s time in Norway with Bodo/Glimt helped him develop into a prolific goalscorer, and he has continued his impressive form at Gent.
- Hugo Cuypers
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Olympiacos, Mechelen
- Transfer Fee: €2.8 million (2022)
Hugo Cuypers is a versatile forward who can play as a central striker or on the wing. His technical ability, movement, and eye for goal make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Cuypers’ experience in Greece with Olympiacos and his consistent performances in Belgium have made him a key player for Gent.
- Jordan Torunarigha
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: Hertha Berlin, KAA Gent (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €4 million (2023)
Although primarily a defender, Jordan Torunarigha has occasionally been deployed as a forward due to his physicality and aerial ability. The German international is known for his versatility and commitment on the pitch. Torunarigha’s time at Hertha Berlin helped him develop into a well-rounded player, and he has since become a key figure at Gent.
- Malick Fofana
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Anderlecht (youth)
- Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Malick Fofana is one of the most exciting young talents in Belgium. The Belgian forward is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances. Fofana’s development in Gent’s academy has been impressive, and he is expected to play a more prominent role in the 2024/25 season.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 KAA Gent squad is a testament to the club’s commitment to blending experience with youth and maintaining a competitive edge in domestic and European competitions. With a strong core of players in every position, Gent is well-equipped to challenge for silverware and continue its tradition of developing top talent. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and a team that embodies the spirit and ambition of KAA Gent.
