Noah Makanza leaves KV Mechelen for Umm Salal switch

DR Congo and Belgium midfielder Noah Makanza has joined Qatar Stars League 2 side Umm Salal SC from KV Mechelen.

The 21-year-old central midfielder completed the move on 2 September, ending his time with the Belgian club after returning from a loan spell at Helmond Sport. No transfer fee has been disclosed.

Makanza began the 2026-27 campaign with KV Mechelen but did not make an appearance in the Jupiler Pro League before moving to Qatar. He now starts a new chapter with Umm Salal, having made the switch after spending the early part of the season with his former club.

The midfielder spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Helmond Sport. That spell ended on 30 June, when he returned to KV Mechelen, where he had been registered since January 2025.

Makanza joined KV Mechelen’s senior set-up after progressing from Jong KVM. Before that, he had come through the club’s Under-18 side, having initially been part of the KV Mechelen youth system.

Born in Jette on 14 January 2005, Makanza holds DR Congo and Belgian nationality. He stands 1.77m tall and operates primarily in central midfield, with his right foot listed as his preferred foot.

His move to Umm Salal takes him away from Belgian domestic football and into the Qatar Stars League 2, following a period in which he spent time between KV Mechelen’s first-team environment and a loan spell in the Netherlands with Helmond Sport.

Makanza’s last recorded market value was €450,000, while his new contract at Umm Salal has not been given a published expiry date.

The transfer was completed on 2 September, with Makanza now a Umm Salal player.