Zulte Waregem has brought an icon from Club Brugge. Five national titles, Golden Boot, Cup and four Super Cups: Vormer saw the return of the Blue and Black in Belgium. And he embodied it, too. He went out at least 356 times for the club, scoring 63 goals and 95 assists.
But the last two seasons it was less. Under Philippe Clement he suddenly became unacceptable at the start of last season. When Vormer started on the bench against Paris Saint-Germain in September 2021, he even considered handing over his captain’s armband. Eventually, Schroeder died for him, too.
Club Brugge would have preferred to see Vormer leave this summer, but his wages have not been as good for other Belgian teams. He barely got three caps, and since mid-August the captain has been banned from selection. But the transfer never happened.
Medical examinations today
Six months later, there is still white smoke for Vürmer: he becomes a football player again at Zulte Waregem. There has been interest in it for some time, though the financial picture has always been a stumbling block. Now a solution has been found for this, because Club is still paying Vormer wages. But Essevee has to contribute, too.
In Zulte Waregem, Vormer will find Jelle Vossen (ex-club Brugge) among others. The fact that the Dutchman can now play football again is one thing. Today everything is official after medical examinations.
The challenge in Gaverbeek will be no less: keep your Zulte Waregem in the Jupiler Pro League. With him four points behind in a safe place (and a difficult calendar), this isn’t agonizing at all. If Zulte Waregem can hold his own, he will get a two-season contract.
“Rud has made his place in the club’s list of legends”
“Roud’s transfer has been a huge success story for all parties,” Club Brugge coach Vincent Mannart said on the club’s website. “Rud has earned a place in the list of club legends and will forever be associated with Blauw-Zwart. We wish him all the best in his football career and would like to thank him for everything he has done for the club.”
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“Club Brugge will always be my team,” Vormer said farewell to the West Flemish. “I had a wonderful and successful eight-and-a-half years there and I can only look back on that period with gratitude. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at the club and all the fans and we will certainly see you again in the future.”
On his new club’s website, Vormer said he “really wants to play football again”. “I think Zulte Waregem has been a very nice club for a long time. I might miss some of the rhythm of the matches, but I want to give everything for Esfe and keep it in 1A.”
He is not allowed to play against the club
Another notable detail: when Zulte Waregem and Club Brugge meet (29 January) in competition, Vormer is not allowed to play. According to Jupiler Pro League rules, a player who is still partially paid by another club may not compete against him.
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