Gent are set to see a former star join a rival in the Jupiler Pro League. Ibrahim Salah, who broke through at the Buffalos, is on the verge of signing with Royal Antwerp FC. The 25-year-old Moroccan-Belgian is leaving FC Basel, where he wasn’t a regular starter, to return to Belgium. Gent finished the 2025 season in 5th place with 24 points (13W-7D-12L), a +4 goal difference (51 scored, 47 conceded), and 15 points behind leaders Union St. Gilloise.
Who is Ibrahim Salah?
Ibrahim Salah came through the youth ranks at Beerschot, but it was at Gent where he made his breakthrough. In 2019, Stade Rennais signed him for over €6 million. At the French club, where he also had a loan spell at Stade Brestois, he played 49 matches and scored seven goals. His technique and pace made him a valued winger.
Why is he leaving FC Basel?
Since last year, Salah has played for FC Basel, but he wasn’t a first-choice player at the Swiss club. This opened the door for a return to the Jupiler Pro League. Antwerp now offers him that opportunity, and he is en route to Belgium to finalize the deal. Gent, currently without Matisse Samoise due to injury, watches as a former player takes on a new challenge.
What does this mean for Gent?
Though Salah no longer plays for Gent, his potential move to Antwerp highlights the appeal of the Belgian league. The Buffalos, who next face an away game against St. Truiden (3rd in the table) on 13 February 2027, remain focused on their own ambitions. With recent form of LDWWW, they aim to compete at the top again next season.
