William Balikwisha is no longer a Standard player. Following his termination of his contract by invoking the law of 78, the attacking midfielder is reportedly close to joining another D1A club.
While Standard has not yet officially commented on the “case” of William Balikwisha, it is no longer a secret: the Congolese international has broken his contract by invoking the law of 78, and is now searching for a new team.
It’s not so simple for Balikwisha, of course, because protective mechanisms exist in Europe to prevent clubs from being exploited by players in this way.
Therefore, any club signing the 25-year-old attacking midfielder would have to pay a solidarity fee to Standard, complicating William Balikwisha’s search.
According to information from independent journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Balikwisha may have found a solution. The former Liège academy player is close to signing with OHL. An agreement might be reached with the Leuven club, paying Standard around 1 million euros.
Recently, Ivan Leko stated that from the beginning of the summer, it was clear William Balikwisha did not “want to be part of the Liège project”. Last season, however, the former Belgian U21 international was one of the few bright spots for the team, playing 29 matches and scoring 3 goals and 2 assists.
William Balikwisha: From Standard Liège to OHL?
The news of William Balikwisha’s departure from Standard Liège has sent shockwaves through the Belgian football scene. The Congolese international, known for his dynamic attacking play, has invoked the “law of 78” to terminate his contract, leaving the Liège club in a precarious situation. This move has sparked a frenzy of speculation surrounding his future, with rumors swirling regarding his potential destination.
The Complexities of “Law 78”
The “law of 78”, formally known as Article 78 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, allows players to terminate their contracts under certain circumstances. This legislation aims to protect players who find themselves in situations where their contractual rights are violated. In Balikwisha’s case, his decision to invoke this law suggests that he felt his interests were not adequately served by Standard Liège.
Obstacles in Balikwisha’s Path
While “law 78” provides a potential escape route for players, it’s not a straightforward process. FIFA regulations contain safeguards to prevent clubs from being unduly affected by players leaving abruptly. As a result, any club seeking to sign Balikwisha would be obligated to pay a solidarity fee to Standard Liège. This financial hurdle has undoubtedly complicated the situation, forcing the player to navigate a delicate legal landscape in his search for a new club.
OHL Emerges as a Potential Landing Spot
Amidst the uncertainty, a glimmer of hope has emerged from the Belgian First Division A. OHL, based in Leuven, is reportedly nearing an agreement to secure Balikwisha’s services. This move would likely involve a transfer fee of around 1 million euros paid to Standard Liège, satisfying the club’s financial requirements and clearing the way for Balikwisha’s transfer.
Balikwisha’s Impact on Standard Liège
Balikwisha’s exit leaves a significant void in Standard Liège’s attacking lineup. Despite his relatively modest goal and assist tally, he was a valuable part of the team, consistently contributing with his energy and dynamism.
Standard Liège manager Ivan Leko has acknowledged that Balikwisha’s departure was a known factor going into the summer transfer window, revealing the player’s desire to seek new opportunities. This revelation indicates that Balikwisha’s decision to leave was likely driven by personal aspirations and the pursuit of a fresh start in his career.
Analyzing Balikwisha’s Potential at OHL
OHL is currently in a period of transition, looking to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for a top-half finish in the Belgian First Division A. Balikwisha’s arrival would undoubtedly bolster their attacking options, providing a spark of creativity and unpredictability in the final third. His experience in the Belgian league and proven ability to make an impact will be invaluable to OHL’s ambitions.
The potential move to OHL might present Balikwisha with a platform to showcase his talents and re-ignite his career. With a clear opportunity for regular playing time and the chance to contribute meaningfully to a team’s success, Balikwisha might make a significant impact in Leuven.
