Burkina Faso goalkeeper Hervé Koffi set for Belgium return with Union Saint-Gilloise

Union Saint-Gilloise are on the verge of signing Burkina Faso international Hervé Koffi after making the goalkeeper their leading target to replace the departed Kjell Scherpen.

The Belgian club moved quickly in the transfer market after Scherpen left to join Ipswich, leaving a vacancy between the posts ahead of the new season.

While Union continue to finalise a permanent solution, young goalkeeper Vic Chambaere has been selected to start Friday’s Belgian Super Cup against Club Brugge.

According to reports from La Dernière Heure, Union Saint-Gilloise have identified Koffi as their preferred replacement and have acted swiftly to secure his arrival.

The Brussels-based side accelerated negotiations after recognising the need to strengthen one of the most important positions in the squad. Their efforts appear to have paid off, with an agreement now close to being completed.

The move follows Koffi’s loan spell at Angers, where the 29-year-old impressed during the previous campaign.

Despite those performances, RC Lens are not believed to have included the Burkina Faso goalkeeper in their long-term plans.

Union Saint-Gilloise reportedly moved ahead of several interested clubs, including teams in France, after negotiating a loan agreement that satisfied all parties.

As previously reported exclusively by Africasoccer, the Belgian side acted decisively to gain an advantage in the race for his signature.

Unless there is a late change in negotiations, Koffi is expected to complete his move on Thursday.

His arrival would make him available for Union Saint-Gilloise’s upcoming UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie against Bodø/Glimt, providing the club with an experienced option ahead of an important European fixture.

A return to Belgium would also reunite Koffi with a league in which he has already established himself.

The goalkeeper previously enjoyed successful spells with Mouscron and Charleroi before joining RC Lens, making this what would be his third professional chapter in Belgian football.

The Burkina Faso international is also match-fit after featuring for Lens in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace, ensuring he would arrive ready for immediate involvement if the transfer is completed.

Last season, the Bobo-Dioulasso-born goalkeeper kept 10 clean sheets in 27 Ligue 1 appearances during his loan spell at Angers, underlining the consistency that has made him a sought-after option this summer.

Koffi remains under contract with RC Lens until 2028 and earns an annual salary of €720,000, but all indications suggest he is now closing in on a return to Belgium as Union Saint-Gilloise seek to reinforce their squad before the season gathers momentum.