Antwerp have loaned young forward Gabriel Jesus David to Austrian second-division club SKN St. Pölten for the current season. The agreement was confirmed on 3 September 2026.
He made his first-team debut in early March. Since then, he has made eleven official appearances but failed to score. The club hopes a loan spell will provide him with the much-needed playing minutes and goal-scoring opportunities.
Antwerp currently sit ninth in the Jupiler Pro League with seven points from four matches. The team has two wins, one draw, and one loss. Their recent form is LDWW. They have scored ten goals and conceded nine, giving them a goal difference of plus one. They trail league leaders Charleroi by five points in the title race.
Antwerp's technical staff view a loan as the best next step in Gabriel Jesus David's development. His playing time at the Belgian club has been limited. A season of weekly action in a competitive environment should improve his match rhythm and confidence in front of goal. It's a strategy often used for talented young players making the step up to the top level.
The choice of SKN St. Pölten is deliberate. The Austrian second-tier club offers a good standard and regular playing opportunities. The club competes in the 2. Liga, the second level of Austrian football. For David, it's a chance to prove himself in a new environment and gain experience in a different competitive league. Antwerp will, of course, monitor the player's progress closely through their scouting network.
The loan of David fits into Antwerp's broader squad planning. The club has multiple options in attack and must balance experience with youth. This loan move creates space and allows for the development of a homegrown product. Fans can always view the full squad composition on our squad page.
The start to the league season has been mixed for the club. After a loss and a draw came two consecutive victories. The defence appears to be stabilising, but scoring prowess remains an area for attention. The team must convert the ten goals scored in four matches into more consistency. The current standings provide a clear picture of the mid-table battle.
The club's focus now shifts directly to the next league fixture. Antwerp face Standard Liege away on Saturday, 5 September 2026. That opponent currently sits sixth in the table, promising a tough challenge. It's an important match in the early phase of the season. The full schedule of upcoming fixtures can be found in our fixtures.
The loan of Gabriel Jesus David is now complete. He will spend the 2026/27 season in Austria with SKN St. Pölten. Antwerp hope to welcome him back after this period as a more mature and productive striker. His contract with the Belgian club still has several years to run.
