Algerian right-back Kevin Van de Kerkhof set for Sporting Charleroi move

Algerian international Kevin Van de Kerkhof is on the verge of joining Belgian side Sporting Charleroi after a challenging spell at French club Metz.

The 28-year-old right-back, who has earned 10 caps for Algeria, is preparing to return to Belgium, a league he knows well from previous stints, in search of regular playing time and a fresh start.

Charleroi, meanwhile, view his arrival as a key reinforcement for their defence as they look to strengthen their right flank with both experience and reliability.

Van de Kerkhof joined Metz two years ago and quickly became an influential figure in the squad. In his first season, he featured in 49 matches across all competitions, scoring three goals and gaining recognition for his determination and tactical adaptability. His versatility made him a dependable option in different defensive roles, and he was widely praised for his fighting spirit.

However, Metz endured a difficult season last year, and Van de Kerkhof saw his playing time significantly reduced. With the French club struggling for consistency and the defender eager to find new opportunities, a move away became increasingly likely.

Sporting Charleroi stepped forward with an offer that suited all parties, with the transfer expected to be completed in the form of a loan deal including an option to buy. This structure provides the Belgian side with financial flexibility while giving Van de Kerkhof a chance to prove his worth in familiar surroundings.

Belgium is not new territory for the defender. Before his spell in France, he had already made a name for himself in Belgian football, particularly with La Louvière, where he accumulated 60 appearances and impressed with his reliability. His earlier experience in the Belgian Pro League has helped him build a strong reputation in the country, and a return is viewed as a natural step in his career.

Sporting Charleroi, a club with ambitions of competing at the top half of the table, are keen to inject leadership and international experience into their back line. Van de Kerkhof’s profile fits those requirements perfectly, with his Algerian national team involvement adding further weight to his credentials.

For Charleroi, his presence offers immediate reinforcement, while for the player, it provides an opportunity to revive his career in a competitive league where he has already proven himself.

Reports from Foot Mercato suggest negotiations are at an advanced stage, with only the final details left to be resolved. If completed, the deal would see Van de Kerkhof return to a league where his strengths are well known, allowing him to settle quickly and contribute from the outset.

The transfer also carries implications for his international career. With Algeria continuing to build depth ahead of upcoming competitions, consistent playing time at club level is crucial for Van de Kerkhof to remain in contention for national team selection. His move to Charleroi could therefore prove decisive not just for his club future but also for his ambitions with Les Verts.

For now, all eyes are on the official confirmation, but it seems increasingly certain that Kevin Van de Kerkhof will be wearing Charleroi’s colours this season, marking a new chapter in a career that has already taken him through France and Belgium, and one that he hopes will see him re-establish his influence both domestically and internationally.

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✅Kévin Guitoun Van Den Kerkhof va quitter le FC Metz

❗️l’international algérien ???????? va être prêté à Charleroi ????????https://t.co/5YgVtUM0i0 pic.twitter.com/sQr0OXGOmB

— Sébastien Denis (@sebnonda) August 18, 2025