Royal Antwerp FC has a new owner as of Friday 24 July 2026. The Antwerp-based consortium led by Wouter Vandenhaute has finalized the takeover after a five-hour marathon session where tens of millions of euros changed hands. Vandenhaute becomes the majority shareholder with an investment of over €10 million.
What does this mean for the club?
The takeover is now official after months of negotiations. Chairman Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Sven Jaeqcues and sporting director Marc Overmars can now move forward with their plans. Overmars has two weeks until the start of the season to strengthen the squad and appoint a new head coach. The club, founded in 1880, remains under Antwerp-rooted control.
The new owner is not alone in this investment. A group of around fifteen local shareholders each contribute at least €250,000, with some putting in up to €500,000 or more. All investors share the club’s red-and-white colors and Antwerp pride. Former player Toby Alderweireld is part of the consortium, though his specific role remains unclear.
Who makes up the new leadership?
Alongside Vandenhaute and Alderweireld, the consortium includes a group of Antwerp-rooted investors. They all buy into the club’s historic registration number 1. Vandenhaute’s majority stake brings stability and new opportunities. The club can now push forward with its ambitions in the Jupiler Pro League.
What happens next?
Overmars has until the start of the new season to reshape the squad. The club currently sits 15th in the Jupiler Pro League and faces Kortrijk at home on 13 February 2027. The focus is on signing new players and appointing a head coach to meet the club’s sporting goals.
