KV Mechelen sold a youth talent and signed a new midfielder on the final day of the transfer window. Noah Makanzo is leaving for Qatar, while the arrival of Simion Michez has been confirmed.
The club is off to a tough start this season, sitting 14th in the Jupiler Pro League after four matches. Malinwa has two points from four games and a goal difference of minus four. The next test is a home fixture against KVC Westerlo on September 5th, a direct rival currently in 16th place.
Noah Makanzo is leaving KV Mechelen for a move to the Qatari second division. The 21-year-old Belgian-Congolese midfielder is being signed by Umm-Salal Sports Club. The club will pay KV Mechelen a fee of €200,000, plus bonuses and a 20% sell-on clause.
Makanzo was a youth product of Malinwa and spent last season on loan at Helmond Sport in the Netherlands. There, he impressed with seven goals and three assists in 37 matches. He still had a contract until 2027 with KV Mechelen but has opted for a lucrative challenge abroad. The player is travelling to complete his medical tests.
KV Mechelen has bolstered its midfield with the official signing of Simion Michez. The 24-year-old winger signed a contract until 2029 after a transfer from Slavia Prague. Michez is a product of the Anderlecht academy and previously played for Beerschot before moving to the Czech Republic.
Sporting director Tom Caluwé is pleased with the acquisition. “Simion brings speed, depth and creativity. He also has a real fighter's mentality. That makes him a player who fits the KV DNA perfectly,” Caluwé said. The player himself feels at home immediately. “I'm very happy to be here. Contact with the club has existed for a while and I already knew some people at Malinwa,” Michez said.
The transfer activity comes against the backdrop of a difficult start to the league campaign. KV Mechelen is currently 14th with just two points from four matches. The team is yet to win a game and has a recent form line of draws and losses (DLDL).
With five goals scored and nine conceded, the club has a negative goal difference. The gap to leaders Charleroi is already ten points. The upcoming home game against Westerlo is therefore important for turning things around. The current table can always be followed on our standings page.
In addition to the transfers, KV Mechelen is also dealing with injury absences. Our injuries page shows that Bill Antonio, Leo Fuhr Hjelde and Tijn Van Ingelgom are currently unavailable. The loss of these players limits the coach's options, especially with a busy schedule ahead.
The arrival of Michez should help increase creativity and penetration in the team. His experience abroad could be a valuable asset. KV Mechelen hopes these changes on the pitch will improve results, starting with the match against Westerlo on September 5th.
