Noah Makanzo is preparing to leave KV Mechelen by undergoing medical tests in Qatar. The Belgian-Congolese midfielder is flying this week to Qatari second-division side Umm-Salal Sports Club.
The transfer of the 21-year-old academy product is not yet officially confirmed, but the next concrete step is scheduled. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, "the move of Makanzo to Umm-Salal Sports Club is in preparation." He added: "The midfielder would fly to Qatar in the coming hours and is expected there on Wednesday for his medical tests." KV Mechelen currently sits 14th in the Jupiler Pro League with two points from four games.
KV Mechelen is losing a homegrown talent in the final stages of the summer transfer window. Noah Makanzo came through the club's youth academy and was under contract until 2027. The club will receive a base fee of 200,000 euros from Umm-Salal, supplemented by bonuses and a 20% sell-on clause. This provides financial flexibility but also means a talent departs while the team is in 14th place, having scored five and conceded nine goals.
The sale comes as Malinwa looks to bounce back from a difficult start to the season. The team has important fixtures ahead, starting with the home match against KVC Westerlo on September 5th.
Noah Makanzo did not secure a regular starting spot at KV Mechelen last season. To gain playing time, he was loaned to Dutch sister club Helmond Sport. In the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, he made 37 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. That productive spell highlighted his value as a versatile midfielder capable of playing both offensively and defensively.
That experience made him attractive to foreign clubs. Umm-Salal is offering him a two-year contract with an option for an additional season, a chance for regular playing time he didn't immediately see at KV Mechelen. The club must now cope without him, while also dealing with injuries to Bill Antonio, Leo Fuhr Hjelde, and Tijn Van Ingelgom.
The departing Makanzo was an option for squad depth. His exit increases the call for reinforcements, especially with the team trailing league leaders Charleroi by ten points. The board may look to use the incoming transfer funds to strengthen the squad for the remainder of the season.
The current squad faces the task of improving results. The next opportunity is the home game against 16th-placed KVC Westerlo on September 5th.
The move to Umm-Salal Sports Club provides KV Mechelen with a direct financial boost. The fixed fee of 200,000 euros is enhanced by performance-related bonuses. Key for the club is the 20% sell-on clause, which allows Malinwa to benefit if Makanzo is sold for a higher fee in the future.
These terms make the deal attractive for a player who was not part of the absolute core. The money can be used to address other positions in the squad, which is necessary to compete in the Jupiler Pro League. Official confirmation of the transfer is expected following successful medical tests. Noah Makanzo will then begin a new adventure in Qatar, while KV Mechelen focuses on the league campaign.
