Anderlecht Target Santi Garcia After Nathan Saliba's Departure

Anderlecht have moved quickly to fill the hole left by Nathan Saliba’s departure to Villarreal – and their search has led them to Portugal.

Belgian outlet HLN reports that the Brussels club are exploring a move for Santi Garcia, the dynamic midfielder currently impressing at Gil Vicente. The Portuguese side initially aimed for a fee north of €10m, but are now believed to be open to slightly lower offers. Even so, they want this deal to go down as the most lucrative sale in the club’s history.

It would cap a rapid rise for Garcia.

The 24-year-old was formed in Spain at Getafe, yet barely touched the surface of La Liga, making just a single first-team appearance before moving on. In 2024 he left Spanish football altogether, joining Gil Vicente on a free transfer – a low-key move that has turned into a major success story.

Garcia immediately nailed down a starting spot. In his first season he featured 30 times, scoring four goals and providing two assists as he settled into Portuguese football. Then came the real leap.

Last season, the midfielder delivered a breakout campaign: six goals and three assists in 34 matches, numbers that dragged him firmly onto the radar of clubs scouting for energy and end product in the middle of the pitch.

Now Anderlecht, reshaping their midfield after Saliba’s exit, are testing just how high Gil Vicente value their unexpected asset – and how much they are willing to pay for a player who cost nothing barely a year ago.