LASK sign DR Congo-Belgium defender Manoel Verhaeghe from RWDM Brussels

LASK have signed DR Congo-Belgium centre-back Manoel Verhaeghe from RWDM Brussels, with the 18-year-old agreeing a contract with the Austrian Bundesliga club until 30 June 2030. The right-footed defender, who stands at 1.87m, has been handed the number 21 shirt following his move.

Verhaeghe arrives in Linz after establishing himself in Belgian professional football last season. He made 25 appearances in the Challenger Pro League for RWDM Brussels, scoring once and providing one assist, and featured in both the Croky Cup and U21 Pro League during the campaign. In total, he amassed more than 2,000 league minutes in Belgiums second tier.

The move marks another step in a career that has seen Verhaeghe progress quickly through the Belgian system. He first left RWDMs youth ranks for Union Saint-Gilloises academy in 2022, later stepping up to Union SGs U21 side, before returning to RWDM Brussels on a free transfer in 2025, where he broke into the first-team setup.

Born on 25 March 2008, Verhaeghe is eligible to represent both DR Congo and Belgium and is listed primarily as a central defender. His current market value is rated at 1.2 million, reflecting his rapid rise from youth football to regular senior action over the past two seasons.

Verhaeghes switch from RWDM Brussels to LASK, completed on 9 July 2026, ties him to the Austrian club for four years as he begins the next phase of his career in the Bundesliga.