Katunda’s future hangs by a thread as Belgian clubs circle

At Schalke 04’s training ground in Gelsenkirchen, a 19-year-old towering over his teammates watches the horizon. Claudio Katunda, the Germano-Congolese centre-back, stands at a crossroads: his club is ready to let him go, and Belgian football is ready to welcome him.

The dossier involving Claudio Katunda is reaching its final phase. Despite a contract running until 30 June 2027, the 19-year-old defender could be available “for free” to clubs in Belgium’s top two divisions. Schalke 04, where he has been since 1 July 2024 from Paderborn, is prepared to release him one year early in exchange for 10% of a future transfer fee and the waiving of international training compensation worth €180,000.

Belgian clubs have tracked Katunda since the start of the transfer window. Among them are Standard de Liège, Royal Antwerp, Cercle Brugge, Lierse Kempenzonen, Lommel SK, and Oud-Heverlee Leuven. Antwerp’s interest has been confirmed to Katunda’s entourage, with a professional deal expected to be finalised in the coming days to ensure he does not miss pre-season preparation.

At Standard de Liège, the club’s sporting management under Marc Wilmots is prioritising defensive reinforcement. The departure of Josué Homawoo due to an Achilles tendon rupture and the limited opportunities for Daan Dierckx under Vincent Euvrard have left gaps. Katunda, born in Hanover, stands two metres tall and is viewed as an ideal bridge between the second team in D1 FFA and the first team.

Standard is not alone in the race. The club is competing with OH Leuven, Cercle Brugge, Lommel SK, and Lierse Kempenzonen for Katunda’s signature. The Matricule 16 also considered a more versatile profile in Hugo Bayomog of LOSC Lille, but the Brussels-based club ultimately declined to pursue the German after assessing their needs.

Katunda’s recent contract extension at Schalke included an automatic one-year option triggered by playing twelve matches. Yet his inclusion in the Regionalliga West squad suggests limited first-team prospects. The young defender has played a key role for Schalke’s U19 side, but Belgian clubs see him as ready for senior football.

Schalke’s willingness to facilitate an early release reflects the player’s limited pathway at the club. The €180,000 training compensation waiver applies only if Katunda signs his first professional contract in Belgium’s top division, making him effectively free for clubs like Standard.

Laurens Goemaere has already signed a four-year contract at Standard and will be officially announced shortly. Meanwhile, discussions with Dimitri Lavalée are progressing as the club looks to rebuild its defensive ranks with younger profiles.

The Standard hierarchy, including Wilmots and the sporting director, are targeting a January reinforcement window. Lavalée’s 30th birthday in January has prompted the club to seek a younger option, and Katunda fits the profile. His physical presence and development potential align with Standard’s rebuilding plan.

Cercle Brugge and Lommel SK have also entered the frame, with both clubs eyeing Katunda as a potential defensive upgrade. The competition among Belgian clubs underscores the value placed on young, ready-made centre-backs ahead of the domestic transfer deadline.