The Belgian clubs in the Jupiler Pro League set a new transfer record this summer in terms of income. Club Brugge made the biggest contribution to that. On the final day of the transfer window, however, there was no real fireworks.

The final day of the summer transfer window in Belgium brought far less drama than many supporters had hoped for, but it still capped off what has officially become a historic summer for the Jupiler Pro League.

With more than €380 million generated in outgoing transfers, Belgian clubs shattered their previous record of around €314 million set only a year earlier. The league’s growing reputation as both a competitive stage and a breeding ground for talent has once again made it one of Europe’s most attractive markets for top clubs looking to strengthen their squads.

For Anderlecht, however, Deadline Day ended in disappointment. The Brussels club had been actively seeking a replacement for Kasper Dolberg, who was sold to Ajax earlier in the summer, leaving a significant void in the attacking line. A number of names were floated in the final weeks: NEC’s Kento Shiogai, Olympique Marseille’s unwanted striker Neal Maupay, and free agent Emmanuel Dennis, who had previously enjoyed spells in Belgium with Club Brugge. On the very last day, Ukrainian international Danylo Sikan of Trabzonspor also emerged as an option. Yet, the Turkish side’s asking price was deemed excessive by Anderlecht’s board, forcing the Purple & White to abandon negotiations and leaving Sikan in Turkey.

As a result, coach Besnik Hasi will now rely on the trio of Luis Vázquez, Adriano Bertaccini, and the young 18-year-old Mihajlo Cvetkovic to lead the line. While Vázquez is expected to carry much of the responsibility, the inclusion of Cvetkovic signals Anderlecht’s growing reliance on youth. Reinforcements did arrive at the other end of the pitch, with Serbian defender Mihajlo Ilic joining on loan from Bologna, giving Hasi some additional depth in the backline.

Elsewhere in Belgium, Royal Antwerp had a far more productive deadline. Under the direction of Marc Overmars, the club secured two signings on the final day: Mamadou Diawara, a promising 20-year-old midfielder from Olympique Lyon, and Jules Ahowa, a 19-year-old Congolese talent. Diawara’s arrival was especially significant, as he effectively replaced Mahamadou Doumbia, the Malian midfielder sold earlier in the summer to Saudi side Al-Ittihad for €16 million. Overmars, known for his sharp eye in the market, ensured Antwerp did not leave their squad short-handed as they aim to compete domestically and in Europe.

In addition to Doumbia’s sale, Antwerp also profited heavily from the departure of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who completed a high-profile move to Manchester United. These transfers contributed to what was a lucrative window for the club, reinforcing Antwerp’s position as one of Belgium’s rising financial powers.

Still, it was Club Brugge who stole the show with record-breaking figures. The club not only made more than €80 million in transfer income but was also responsible for the single largest outgoing deal in Belgian history. Ardon Jashari, despite currently being sidelined with injury, completed a blockbuster move to AC Milan worth €36 million. The deal highlighted Brugge’s growing stature as a club capable of developing players who attract the attention of Europe’s elite.

Brugge did not stop there. Maxim De Cuyper joined Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion for around €20 million, while Chemsdine Talbi completed a similar move to Sunderland for approximately the same fee. These three major sales alone accounted for a significant portion of the Belgian league’s record-breaking summer.

The cumulative effect of these transactions is clear: Belgium’s top clubs are increasingly able to develop, showcase, and sell players for significant sums, closing the gap on traditional “feeder leagues” such as the Dutch Eredivisie or the Portuguese Primeira Liga. The €380 million mark is not just a financial milestone but also a signal of how Belgian football has positioned itself within the global transfer market.

For fans, however, the story is a mixed one. While the record sales underline the league’s growth and financial health, they also raise questions about competitiveness. When so many star players leave in one window, clubs must scramble to rebuild and adapt. Anderlecht’s failure to replace Dolberg, for instance, leaves questions about whether the squad has enough firepower to mount a serious title challenge. Antwerp, despite reinforcements, will need to quickly integrate Diawara and Ahowa into their system. Club Brugge, flush with cash, must balance the loss of key figures with the pressure of domestic and European campaigns.

What is undeniable is that the Jupiler Pro League continues to punch above its weight on the global stage. The record sales not only provide Belgian clubs with vital financial resources but also highlight the league’s role as a key stepping stone for players aiming to reach Europe’s elite competitions. If the trend continues, Belgium could soon rival some of Europe’s more established developmental leagues in terms of both player production and financial impact.