Royal Antwerp FC have secured the future of academy product Semm Renders with a contract extension. The 18-year-old defender signed a new deal this week that keeps him at the Bosuil until the summer of 2029.
The club confirmed the news on Friday. "Semm Renders (18) has signed a new contract at the Bosuil. Our right-back remains on board until the summer of 2029," was the official statement from the Great Old. His previous deal was set to expire soon, which could have made him an attractive target for other clubs.
Semm Renders is a right-back who joined Antwerp's youth academy at the age of twelve. He made his first-team debut two years ago and has since made 39 official appearances. His development has been rapid and the club views him as an important pillar for the coming years. His new commitment means Antwerp have secured one of their most promising homegrown talents on a long-term basis.
The contract extension comes at a good time for Antwerp. The club currently sits fourth in the Jupiler Pro League with seven points from three matches. They have scored nine goals and conceded five, giving them a goal difference of plus four. In the title race, they trail leaders Club Brugge KV by just two points. The next challenge is a home match against St. Truiden on August 30th, a team sitting in twelfth place. Fans can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
This renewal prevents Renders from becoming an easy target in upcoming transfer windows. It gives the player stability and the club certainty over a key defensive position. The investment in youth is now paying off in the first team. The current squad composition can always be found in our squad overview.
Renders has developed into a reliable option for the right-back position over the past two seasons. His 39 appearances show the coaching staff's trust in him. His new contract demonstrates the club's desire to affirm that trust and build a core with youth players. In a season where Antwerp aim to challenge for the title with Club Brugge, every stable factor is valuable.
The Great Old's league position is promising after three matchdays. With a recent form of draw, win, and win (DWW), the team has laid a strong foundation. The defence, of which Renders is a part, has performed solidly so far. For current standings and statistics, you can visit our standings and stats pages.
Focus now shifts to the upcoming matches. The contract matter is resolved, so Renders can concentrate fully on his on-field performances. The immediate future looks bright for Antwerp, both in the league and in squad building with talented youth.
