Not only is there a difference which series the Antwerp citizens play in, but also financially and in terms of ambitions there is a world of difference.
While Antwerp won the Jupiler Pro League and was allowed to put a Croky Cup around its chimney, in Beerschot the situation is very different. With just a few days left in the game, they were soon allowed to put aside the slim chance of promotion.
Antwerp enjoys administrative stability with Paul Guisens as president and sponsor of the club. Although it does not hide the fact that the club’s goal is to break even in the long run. The outgoing move of William Bachchu to Frankfurt is already a first step in this direction.
Beerschot had a good transfer window last season by focusing mainly on young Belgian players. So it was no surprise that this didn’t pay off right away. This strategy takes time. With a few (experienced) reinforcements, Beerschot could compete for promotion next season.
However, this is where the shoe pinches. In the last financial year, Beerschot made a loss of €15 million, which was covered by the club’s three shareholders. However, the main shareholder of Beerschot, the United Global Group of Saudi Prince Abdullah bin Musaed, wants to sell the club as soon as possible.
This means that no transfer is currently being completed and funds are only available to cover costs for the current season. The only thing Beerschot could hope for was to sell the club quickly. This way we can look ahead again. Although the situation at KV Kortrijk and KV Oostende is an example this does not always guarantee that things will improve.
In the coming years, the difference between the two clubs does not seem to disappear quickly. Certainly not if Antwerp can get a taste of greasy pot in the Champions League.
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