Following a strong finish to last season under Mario Conen, Charleroi enters 2026/27 with a young, high-potential squad, a significant transfer profit, and genuine momentum after an impressive start to the Belgian Pro League campaign. This is the definitive guide to the current Zebras squad.
Technical Leadership & Coaching Profile
Manager: Mario Conen
Conen was appointed permanently in June 2026 after serving as interim head coach from April, earning the role through his impressive performance in the European playoffs. The 39-year-old Belgian coach has a clear tactical philosophy, favouring build-up from the back while demanding high-intensity pressing in the attacking third. His approach has been described by local media as “almost total football,” and his teams have earned praise for their attractive style of play.
Tactical Philosophy
Conen prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasises possession and structured attacking build-up. The data reveals Charleroi averaging 58% possession with an 85.3% pass completion rate, ranking among the league’s elite. Defensively, the team has been exceptional, ranking first in the league for defensive efficiency (100th percentile) with just one goal conceded per game and a 67% clean sheet rate in the early weeks. The attacking creativity remains a work in progress, but the overall structure is firmly in place.
Preferred Formations
4-2-3-1 in possession.
Strategic Transfer Activity
Charleroi continued their established model: selling mature assets at premium prices while reinvesting in young talent with resale potential. The summer departures of Titraoui, Camara, and Guiagon generated approximately €16.3 million, while the total outlay on reinforcements was around €1.8 million — a net profit of roughly €14.5 million. This strategy continues to fund the club’s new stadium project.
Table A: Summer Major Transfer Influx
| Player | Position | Former Club | Fee Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adama Bojang | Striker | Reims | Loan |
| Kevin Van den Kerkhof | Defender | Metz | €1.5m |
| Issac Cissé | Defensive Midfield | Golden Arrows | Undisclosed |
| Severin Nioule | Winger | Häcken | Undisclosed |
| Gaku Nawata | Winger | Gamba Osaka | Loan |
The First-Team Roster
Goalkeepers
Mohamed Koné: The first-choice goalkeeper has started three matches this season, his performances contributing to the club’s impressive defensive record. His command of the penalty area and shot-stopping have provided a reassuring presence behind a youthful backline.
Martin Delavallée: The backup goalkeeper has made one appearance, providing reliable depth and competition for the starting role.
Defenders
Aiham Ousou: The defender was signed permanently this summer and has become the cornerstone of Charleroi’s defence and club captain. He has started three matches, contributing one goal, and his leadership has been invaluable for a squad built around young players.
Cheick Keita: A first-team regular with three starts and one goal, Keita has been a consistent presence in the defensive line.
Kevin Van den Kerkhof: The summer’s only significant transfer outlay (approximately €1.5 million) has been a revelation, starting four matches with two goals and one assist. His contribution at both ends of the pitch has exceeded expectations.
Mardochee Nzita: Has started four matches, providing stability and defensive discipline on the flank.
Midfielders
Jacob Romsaas: Has started four matches and contributed one assist, serving as an important creative outlet in midfield.
Amine Boukamir: Has made four appearances and scored one goal, demonstrating his ability to contribute from deeper positions.
Issac Cissé: The summer arrival from Golden Arrows was identified as Camara’s replacement. Despite being just 19, he has already earned four appearances and provided one assist, underlining his significant potential.
Yassine Khalifi: Has started four matches, providing consistent minutes in the engine room.
Forwards
Aurélien Scheidler: The club’s top scorer last season (10 goals in 41 appearances) continues as the attacking focal point. His goalscoring efficiency remains central to Charleroi’s attacking output.
Adama Bojang: The 1.91m striker arrived on loan from Reims and has already scored twice in five appearances. His physical profile offers a different dimension to the attack.
Patrick Pflücke: Has made five appearances with one goal and one assist, serving as an important attacking outlet from wide areas.
Antoine Bernier: Has made four appearances, providing creativity and energy on the flank.
Leadership Group & Squad Regulations
Club Captain: Aiham Ousou
The permanently signed defender has become the team’s captain and defensive leader. His experience and composure are essential for a squad built around young players.
Financial & Contractual Health
Financial Balance Overview
Charleroi generated approximately €14.5 million in net transfer profit this summer, continuing a model that has produced over €100 million in player trading revenue over the past decade. This funding is directed toward the club’s new stadium project, reflecting a balance between sporting competitiveness and financial sustainability.
Contract Red Alerts
Retaining key players like Scheidler and Ousou, and continuing to develop young assets for future sales, remain the club’s primary strategic objectives.
Set-Piece Specialists & FPL Cheat Sheet
Penalties: Aurélien Scheidler (First Choice).
Direct Free-Kicks: Patrick Pflücke.
Corners & Crosses: Kevin Van den Kerkhof.
Final Outlook: Navigating the Tactical Horizon
Charleroi’s start to the season has been a genuine surprise. The club has taken 12 points from their opening five matches, briefly sitting near the top of the table. Despite a narrow 3-2 defeat to champions Union SG in the fifth round, the team’s possession play and defensive organisation have been impressive.
Conen’s side ranks first in the league for defensive efficiency, with an exceptionally low expected goals against. While the attacking output still requires improvement — the shot conversion rate sits at just 10.2% — the strike partnership of Scheidler and Bojang provides a reliable source of goals.
The challenge lies in squad depth. As Belgian media have noted, Charleroi are the only Pro League club without a new signing in their starting eleven, meaning injuries or suspensions would force Conen to rely on inexperienced youth. However, this also highlights the stability of the existing framework and the potential of the young players developing within it.
If Conen can maintain the defensive intensity and gradually improve the attacking efficiency, Charleroi are well-positioned to challenge for European qualification. The club’s young core, financial health, and clear identity suggest a sustainable path forward.
