RAAL La Louviere are now going into their second season back in the Belgian Pro League. They had a strong middle period which proved enough for them to survive, but they now go into the new season with a new manager in former Watford man Ed Still and a number of new men in other positions at the club. They have been incredible active in the transfer window, which may be due to how poorly they finished the season. Such a huge influx of players could easily backfire and see them struggle this season.
Transfers in: Mustapha Isah (Kristiansund), Anas Tajaouart (Anderlecht, loan), Quentin Benaets (Charleroi), Matyas Kovacs (MTK Budapest), Ismaila Coulibaly (LASK), Mehdi Boukamir (Charleroi, loan), Tiago Pereira Cardoso (Borussia Monchengladbach, loan), Mame Wade (FC Lustenau), Patrick Nkoa (Eintracht Braunschweig), Theo Radelet (OH Leuven), Shaquil Delos (Grenoble), Elias Filet (Aarau)
Transfers out: Celestin De Schrevel (Virton), Dario Benavides (Dinamo Bucuresti), Owen Maes (free), Jordi Liongola (Sheffield Wednesday), Maxence Maisonneuve (Wisla Krakow)
Key player: Marcos Peano
Peano was one of the best goalkeepers in the Pro League last season. At times, he won RAAL La Louviere points with some key saves. If they can keep the 27-year-old at the club this season, his ability could really help them avoid dropping into the relegation zone. However, he will be on many a transfer shortlist and RAAL La Louviere will be up against it to keep him at the club.
Young player to watch: Anas Tajaouart
On loan from Anderlecht, the 20-year-old Moroccan will be hoping to get some more Pro League experience. RAAL La Louviere may well offer him the chance to add to the three appearances he made for Anderlecht last season. Tajaouart can play as a deeper central midfielder or push further forward. RAAL La Louviere do have decent options in central midfield, but Tajaouart and Anderlecht will be expecting him to feature as part of the loan agreement.
