Following the official confirmation of Theo Bongonda’s departure, Zulte Waregem (Essevée) has moved quickly to secure other key players in its squad. Senegalese midfielder Ibrahima Seck, who had been on loan from Racing Genk since January, has now been permanently signed by the Belgian club.
Seck, 29, joined Essevée following Philippe Clement from Genk but had struggled to establish himself there. Since arriving at Zulte Waregem, however, he became a regular starter, playing almost every minute and proving his value in midfield. Recognizing his importance to the team, the club exercised the purchase option included in his loan agreement to secure the defensive midfielder’s future. Essevée announced the permanent transfer on Friday, ensuring continuity and stability in the squad following Bongonda’s exit.
In addition to Seck’s permanent signing, Zulte Waregem has also brought in former Swiss international of Cameroonian origin Dimitri Oberlin on a season-long loan from FC Basel, with an option to buy. Oberlin is expected to fill the attacking role left vacant by Bongonda, who moved to Racing Genk for a record fee of seven million euros.
These moves reflect Essevée’s proactive approach to maintaining squad strength and addressing the departures of key players. By securing Seck permanently and bringing in Oberlin, the club aims to remain competitive in the league while preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season. Both transfers highlight Essevée’s focus on combining experience, talent, and strategic acquisitions to sustain performance levels despite the loss of a major star like Bongonda.
Seck’s permanent arrival stabilizes the midfield, providing defensive solidity and experience, while Oberlin’s addition brings attacking creativity and pace. Together, these signings ensure that Zulte Waregem retains balance across the squad and maintains the capacity to compete effectively in domestic competitions.
With these adjustments, Essevée demonstrates its commitment to squad continuity and long-term planning, ensuring that the departure of key players does not disrupt the team’s competitiveness. Both Seck and Oberlin are expected to play central roles in the club’s ambitions this season, reinforcing the team’s core while adding fresh talent to complement the existing roster.
