Super Eagles transfer: Two Abdullahi Bewene traits that suit Club Brugge and KAA Gent

Super Eagles defender Abdullahi Bewene continues to attract interest across Europe, with Belgian clubs Club Brugge and KAA Gent now monitoring the Baník Ostrava full-back after his impressive rise over the past year, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 21-year-old broke into Baník Ostrava’s first team before earning his maiden Super Eagles call-up under Eric Chelle.

His brilliant performances against Poland and Portugal only strengthened his growing reputation, while his displays in the Czech top flight have convinced scouts that he is ready for the next step.

While Belgium has long been regarded as an ideal destination for emerging Nigerian talents, Bewene’s profile also aligns perfectly with what both Club Brugge and Gent typically look for in the transfer market. According to Footy Africa, both clubs are weighing up a move for the pacy full-back.

Two reasons Gent and Club Brugge want Abdullahi Bewene

1. Belgium offers the ideal platform for his development

Development remains one of the biggest reasons many Nigerian players choose Belgium before making the move to Europe’s elite leagues, and Bewene could follow the same pathway.

The Belgian Pro League has consistently served as one of Africa’s strongest development leagues. Victor Osimhen first exploded onto the European scene at Charleroi, Victor Boniface developed at Union Saint-Gilloise before joining Bayer Leverkusen, while Paul Onuachu, Tolu Arokodare and Raphael Onyedika all enhanced their development in Belgium before securing bigger moves.

Club Brugge, in particular, have become specialists in identifying young African talent, giving them regular first-team football, exposing them to European competitions and selling them for big money.

KAA Gent have followed a similar model over the years, providing young players with a competitive environment without the overwhelming pressure that often comes with moving directly into one of Europe’s top five leagues.

At just 21, Bewene still has room to improve tactically and technically. A move to Belgium would likely accelerate that process while keeping him firmly on the radar of bigger European clubs.

2. His versatility makes him a solid tactical fit

One of Bewene’s biggest strengths is that he is more than a traditional right-back. Although he has excelled on the right side of defence, he is equally comfortable operating as a wing-back, right winger and even in midfield when required.

That tactical flexibility is an edge in modern football. Club Brugge frequently rotate between different systems depending on the opponent, while Gent also demand defenders who can contribute aggressively in possession and transition quickly between defensive and attacking phases.

Bewene’s ability to run up and down the right flank throughout the game makes him an engine coaches can bank on.

His manager, Babawo Mohammed, also highlighted that versatility while discussing growing transfer interest from France and Belgium.

“It was not a surprise to us because we know his quality, but that performance has certainly prompted several clubs to make enquiries about him.”

Meanwhile, Slavia Prague coach Jindřich Trpišovský, whose side recently faced Baník Ostrava, defeating them 4-0, praised those qualities after watching the Nigerian up close.

“I see a different player in Bewene. He has a future ahead of him. He has brutal acceleration and speed,” the 50-year-old said in quotes revealed by Ruik CZ.

“And the offensive part as well. Some things have to be learned, but there’s huge potential in him. With Siniyavskiy, these are players who are really unpleasant for us when they play against us,”

That combination of explosive athleticism and positional flexibility makes Bewene an appealing long-term investment for clubs looking to develop a modern full-back capable of influencing games at both ends of the pitch.

A move that could benefit everyone

With Baník Ostrava open to listening to suitable offers, Belgium appears to represent a logical next destination.

Club Brugge would offer Champions League football and a proven development pathway, while Gent could guarantee regular minutes in a league that has consistently helped Nigerian players reach the next level.

For Bewene, whose priority should be development rather than an immediate leap into one of Europe’s biggest leagues, either move could provide the perfect platform to maximise his enormous potential and become the Super Eagles first choice right-back, with Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel heading into their thirties.