Vanhaezebrouck watched Lawrence and saw that it was good

TRANSFERS The newspapers come today with more info about the transfer of James Lawrence to Anderlecht. The Englishman signs a three-year contract with an option for a fourth. He is not expensive and Hein Vanhaezebrouck went to scout him personally in recent weeks.


Anderlecht paid for Lawrence between 400,000 and 450,000 euros. A financially secure transfer that can be a stroke of luck. In the Europa League games against Feyenoord Lawrence made such an impression that analyst Mario Been, ex-coach of Racing Genk, wondered whether Feyenoord should not take him. Trencin owner Tscheu La Ling is also convinced: "He can defend and play football, he can handle the level needed for Anderlecht, but give him some time."

That Luc Devroe came to Lawrence is no coincidence. He has been scouting at Trencin for years and has good contacts with La Ling. Lawrence's transfer came only after Vanhaezebrouck gave his approval. Two weeks ago he went to see the defender against Feyenoord. Besides Anderlecht, clubs from Russia, Greece and the Netherlands wanted Lawrence.

"Lawrence is blooming late"

Given his age (26 years) and course, some Anderlecht supporters doubt whether Lawrence is good enough for Anderlecht. Pieter Huistra worked as a consultant for Trencin for years and knows Lawrence well. "James is a late bloomer, he has made a lot of progress over the past few years, he is a hard worker who is serious about his job, he is a footballing defender with a good cross-pass."

The fact that Lawrence lost some time as a young guy also came from a heart problem and other injuries. During a training at Jong Ajax, his heart suddenly went crazy. He underwent heart surgery, but was able to play football again afterwards. The timid Lawrence could also hardly stand firm in the empowered Netherlands. But at Trencin he has become a man.