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Anderlecht Eyes Two Promising Defenders from Premier League and Serie A

Swansea, Wales. 7 October 2023. Noel Atom of Brighton & Hove Albion under pressure from Joe Thomas of Swansea City during the Premier League Cup game between Swansea City Under 21 and Brighton & Hove Albion Under 21 at the Swansea City Academy in Swansea, Wales, UK on 7 October 2023. Credit: Duncan Thomas/Majestic Media/Alamy Live News.
© Alamy / Majestic Media Ltd

Anderlecht is making strategic moves to strengthen their defense by targeting young talents Noel Atom and Jan-Carlo Simić. The Belgian club has approached Brighton for Atom and is also advancing on Simić from AC Milan. These potential signings reflect Anderlecht’s ambition to invest in promising defenders for future success.

  • Anderlecht approaches Brighton for 19-year-old centre-back Noel Atom.
  • Brighton & Hove Albion seeks around €2.5 million for Atom’s transfer.
  • Anderlecht also advances on Jan-Carlo Simić from AC Milan.

Noel Atom: A Rising Star

Noel Atom, a 19-year-old German-Cameroonian centre-back, currently plays for Brighton & Hove Albion U21. Atom’s career has seen him develop through youth clubs such as Hertha BSC and RasenBallsport Leipzig before joining Brighton on August 11, 2023. His current contract with Brighton runs until June 30, 2026.

Atom’s career statistics include:

  • Premier League 2 (2023/24): 12 appearances, 0 goals, 1 assist, 774 minutes played
  • U19-Bundesliga North/Northeast: 9 appearances, 1 goal, 605 minutes played
  • UEFA Youth League: 7 appearances, 1 goal, 452 minutes played
  • DFB-Pokal der Junioren: 1 appearance, 0 goals, 86 minutes played
  • EFL Trophy: 1 appearance, 0 goals, 90 minutes played

Internationally, Atom has represented Germany at various youth levels:

  • Germany U19: 4 caps, 0 goals
  • Germany U17: 6 caps, 0 goals

Brighton & Hove Albion is asking for approximately €2.5 million for Atom, reflecting his potential and the interest he has garnered from multiple clubs.

Jan-Carlo Simić: The Dual National Talent

Jan-Carlo Simić, also 19, is a dual national of Serbia and Germany. Born in Nürtingen, Germany, Simić is currently with AC Milan, having joined on July 1, 2024. He has already made appearances in Serie A, showcasing his abilities at a high level.

Simić’s career statistics include:

  • Serie A (2023/24): 4 appearances, 0 goals, 139 minutes played
  • Primavera 1: 45 appearances, 3 goals, 3,526 minutes played
  • UEFA Youth League: 17 appearances, 1 goal, 1,321 minutes played
  • U17-Bundesliga South/Southwest: 15 appearances, 1 goal, 1,241 minutes played
  • Coppa Primavera: 2 appearances, 0 goals, 96 minutes played
  • Italy Cup: 2 appearances, 0 goals, 118 minutes played

Internationally, Simić has represented Serbia at various youth levels:

  • Serbia U19: 13 caps, 2 goals
  • Serbia U18: 2 caps, 0 goals
  • Serbia U17: 5 caps, 1 goal
  • Serbia U16: 1 cap, 0 goals

Simić’s current market value is estimated at €5.00 million, making him a significant prospect for the future.

Anderlecht’s Strategic Moves

Anderlecht’s pursuit of Noel Atom and Jan-Carlo Simić underscores their strategy to bolster their defense with young talents capable of substantial development. Atom’s versatility in playing both as a centre-back and left-back, combined with Simić’s dual nationality and experience in German and Italian youth systems, make them valuable additions.

These potential deals could be pivotal for Anderlecht’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions, signaling a strong intent to invest in young, promising defenders.


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