Republic of Ireland international Andrew Omobamidele swaps France for Belgium with Anderlecht loan

Irish transfer activity continues as defender Andrew Omobamidele has completed a shock loan move from Strasbourg to Belgian side Anderlecht. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Irish transfer activity continues as defender Andrew Omobamidele has completed a shock loan move from Strasbourg to Belgian side Anderlecht.

Ten-times capped Omobamidele seemed to be central to the Ligue 1 outfit’s spine when skippering them to victory over Lens last week but has been allowed move over the border to the Belgian giants.

Anderlecht are part of the Europa League following a facile 6-0 aggregate victory over Kairat in the playoffs, with their first game of the group stage against Olympique Lyon scheduled for September.

Fourth in last season’s Belgian Pro League last season, they were previously the home to the 24-year-old’s international colleague Josh Cullen between 2020 and 2022.

Nottingham Forest sold Omobamidele to Strasbourg in January 2025 and he made 54 appearances across all competitions, including a dozen in their march to the Conference League semi-finals last season.

Meanwhile, Bristol City have moved to allay fears about the future of captain Jason Knight. Speculation about a potential transfer percolated during the window that closed in the UK on Tuesday as the versatile Ireland operator is in the last season of his contract.

“During the summer we together considered a variety of options which would be in the best interests of Jason and the club,” said a club statement.

“Terms on a contract extension could not be agreed and, now the season is underway, we want to put our energy into delivering positive results and are committed to moving forward together with Jason as captain.

City Sporting Director James Ellis said: “Jason is a top quality player and we all share a desire to play at the highest level. Our hope remains that Jason achieves that ambition with Bristol City.

“Throughout our discussions this summer he has been collaborative and the absolute professional we all know he is.

“Jason is an important part of the club’s plans and he has been fully engaged in the changes we have made as a member of the players’ Senior Leadership Group. Jason is our captain and is fully committed to what we are trying to achieve.” Knight added: “What’s happening at the club is really exciting and the changes being made are taking us in the right direction. We have built a new squad and I’m enjoying being part of that process.

“It’s an honour to captain Bristol City and I am committed to giving everything I can to make us successful.”