Gent set sights on Kortrijk goalkeeper as Daniel Schmidt nears return to Japan | OneFootball

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Gent are looking to sign Kortrijk goalkeeper Tom Vandenberghe. The side are anticipating the imminent departure of veteran Japanese goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt, who is in Japan completing a medical before a move to Nagoya Grampus. The Buffaloes view Kortrijk’s Vandernberghe as an ideal number two to Davy Roef, who is having one of the best seasons of his career.

Schmidt joined Gent a year ago after losing his place as the starting goalkeeper in Sint Truiden. Zion Suzuki took his place with the Canaries, with Schmidt leaving after making over 100 appearances for the side. He had moved from Japan to join Sint Truiden back in the summer of 2019. He has only made 15 appearances for Gent since the move.

Vandenberghe started this season as the back-up to summer signing Patrick Gunnarsson. However, when the 24-year-old from Iceland picked up an injury, Vandenberghe took his place. The 32-year-old has shown once again that he is a good option in goal in the Pro League and will provide a solid back up to Roef. For Kortrijk, the question is now who will take his place. Gunnarsson could step back in, or head coach Yves Vanderhaeghe could turn to Lucas Pirard, who impressed in 17 appearances at the back end of last season when Vandenberghe himself was injured.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson