Noah Makanza emerges as Umm Salal target after return to KV Mechelen

Noah Makanza, a dual Belgian and DR Congo midfielder at KV Mechelen, is being linked with a move to Umm Salal SC in Qatar’s Qatar Stars League 2.

The 21-year-old central midfielder returned to Mechelen at the end of June after spending the 2025-26 season on loan at Helmond Sport. He has started the current campaign with KV Mechelen but has not featured in any of the club’s first four possible Jupiler Pro League matches.

Makanza joined Mechelen’s senior squad from Jong KVM in January 2025 before moving to the Netherlands on loan in July of the same year. His return has kept him under contract with the Belgian club until 30 June 2027.

A move to Umm Salal would take Makanza into Qatar’s second tier, although the available transfer information does not indicate whether the clubs have opened negotiations or whether a fee has been discussed. His current listed market value is €450,000.

Born in Jette on 14 January 2005, Makanza has represented both Belgium and DR Congo at nationality level, but no international appearances are recorded. He remains a KV Mechelen player while the potential move is still at the rumour stage.