Legal deadlock stalls Ferraro move, Dender left without striker

FCV Dender confirmed that striker Fabio Ferraro will miss the opening preseason friendly against Leeuwkens Teralfene on Saturday after he sent a letter to end his contract. The club also said a medical certificate received earlier this week confirmed his unavailability for the first training sessions.

FCV Dender confirmed it received a medical certificate earlier this week indicating Fabio Ferraro was unavailable for the first training sessions of the new season. The club therefore announced he would miss the opening friendly against Leeuwkens Teralfene on Saturday.

Shortly after, Ferraro sent a letter stating his intention to terminate his employment contract unilaterally. He has not indicated a plan to return to Dender's training camp.

The club said, "Aangezien deze situatie een juridisch kader heeft en momenteel verder wordt beoordeeld, zal de club voorlopig geen verdere inhoudelijke commentaar verstrekken. Dit om de rechten en belangen van alle betrokken partijen maximaal te vrijwaren," emphasizing the legal sensitivity of the case.

Ferraro is reportedly advanced in talks with KVC Westerlo, which he views as his preferred destination. However, no transfer agreement has been reached between the two clubs, leaving the dossier unresolved.

Dender indicated it wishes to keep its preseason focus intact while the contractual dispute is handled behind the scenes. The club warned that any further developments could disrupt preparation if not settled promptly.

The episode reflects a broader trend of Belgian clubs navigating complex player contract terminations amid a busy transfer market. Legal disputes can delay player movements and affect squad planning across the league.