Antwerp has seen forward Anthony Valencia depart for Brazilian club Flamengo. The 23-year-old Ecuadorian completed the move in the summer of 2022 for a fee of five million euros.
The transfer was finalized after Valencia had made a strong start to the season. He netted three goals in his first three competitive matches for the Belgian side. His exit represents a significant loss for the Antwerp squad, which currently sits ninth in the Jupiler Pro League with seven points from four games. The team has scored ten goals and conceded nine so far this campaign.
Anthony Valencia was a key performer during his time in Belgium. The Ecuadorian international made a total of 84 appearances for Antwerp. Across those matches, he contributed thirteen goals and seven assists. His crowning achievement came in his debut season, when he helped the club secure a domestic double. Valencia was also included in Ecuador's World Cup squad by manager Sebastián Beccacece and has earned three senior caps.
His departure in 2022 came at a peak moment in his form. The fast start to the season highlighted his importance to the team. Fans can track the full statistics of the current squad on our stats page.
Brazilian top side Flamengo, then runner-up in the Serie A, identified Valencia as possessing the qualities they needed. The five-million-euro investment demonstrated the Rio club's belief in the young attacker. His performances in Belgium and his international status made him an attractive prospect for the South American market.
The transfer fits a pattern of Brazilian clubs recruiting talent from the Belgian league. For Antwerp, it meant a substantial financial gain but also the loss of an offensive threat. The current squad is listed in our squad overview.
The club is in a mixed phase of the season. With recent form reading LDWW and a ninth-place standing, the focus is on improvement. Antwerp currently trails league leaders Charleroi by five points in the title race. The next fixture is a key away match against Standard Liege, who are fifth, on 5 September 2026.
That clash at Sclessin is an opportunity to enhance their league position. All upcoming matches can be found on the fixtures page. The team will need to compensate for Valencia's absence with their current attacking options. The match against Standard Liege kicks off at 8:45 PM.
