Westerlo’s pre‑season faces midfield void as Piedfort departs

Westerlo will kick off its pre‑season training camp on Saturday with a friendly against PAOK Saloniki, but the squad will be missing 21‑year‑old Belgian international Arthur Piedfort. Piedfort has completed a transfer to French club Auxerre, leaving the Belgian side to adjust its midfield options ahead of the new campaign.

His departure creates a noticeable gap in Westerlo’s midfield depth, a position the club had relied on for creative play. Coach and staff will need to re‑configure tactics for the upcoming camp without his presence.

The Saturday friendly against PAOK Saloniki will proceed without Piedfort, whose name will not appear on the match sheet. Westerlo will therefore field a reshuffled lineup to compensate.

Arthur Piedfort, 21, has been capped at youth level for Belgium, showcasing his potential. He has signed for French side Auxerre, a move he announced as arriving at a perfect moment.

“My transfer to the French Auxerre comes at a perfect moment,” Piedfort said. “I felt that I now had to take the step.”

Westerlo must now rely on other squad members to fill the void during the camp and the forthcoming season. Auxerre will integrate Piedfort into their plans as they prepare for their own campaign.