Hein Vanhaezebrouck Aids Antwerp with Ibrahim Salah Signing
Antwerp has signed Ibrahim Salah, a 24-year-old winger from FC Basel. The club has hired him on loan for one season, with an option to make the deal permanent for €2.5 million.
According to Hein Vanhaezebrouck, the coach who first brought Salah into professional football at KAA Gent, he fits perfectly into Marvin Compper's high-pressing style. 'He is a huge positive character,' said Vanhaezebrouck. 'You can't be angry with him.'
Salah Needs Confidence to Flourish
Salah's career took off quickly after his breakthrough at Gent, but it went downhill in France. In January 2023, Stade Rennes paid €6.5 million for him. His time there and a stint at Stade Brestois were not as successful, leading him to FC Basel.
According to Vanhaezebrouck, the environment is just as important as tactical fit. 'When he realizes you don't believe in him, he will wither away,' said the former Gent coach. If Salah gains confidence from Marvin Compper, Vanhaezebrouck expects him to quickly reach his best form.
Versatile Fit for Compper's System
Under Vanhaezebrouck, Salah played not just as a classic winger but also as a wingback and second striker. His former coach sees him ideally in an attacking role, yet notes that he can handle defensive duties due to his discipline.
'Put him where you want, and he can be significant for the team,' said Vanhaezebrouck. Salah's stamina and willingness to press fit well with Compper's Red Bull-inspired style of play.
The attacker was born in Belgium and played youth football at Union and Beerschot before joining Gent in 2021. For the A-team of the Buffalo’s, he made 21 appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist. In his full professional career, the tally stands at 129 games and 21 goals.
Transfermarkt values him at €1.8 million.
