By Roberto Lamprecht
In mid-July, Hertha star Jordan Torunarigha (25) finally switched to KAA Gent for a transfer fee of 3.5 million euros. He has been on loan there since the last winter break and has continued to develop personally and athletically.
Now he’s staying until 2025 and he’s aiming high!
After scoring his first goal in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Waregem, the defender is celebrating: “I’ve been giving 100 percent here since day one after my return and I’m trying to get better every day to help the team more and more. That’s why I’m all the happier about the goal in our win yesterday. I hope to contribute even more this season. We want to win every game and be as high up in the table as possible.”
One goal and one assist are now on his account after seven games. Gent is fifth in the table.
The central defender, who enjoys more offensive freedom in Belgium than in Berlin, explains: “I’m not only happy with my goal, but also with our performance. Especially that we kept a clean sheet. In this league you have to fight hard for every win and stay focused until the end. I notice how we are getting better and better from week to week.”
In Belgium he is thriving again, saying: “I feel very comfortable here again. On the pitch with the coach and my teammates, but also in the city. This is an important prerequisite for me to be able to consistently perform and develop myself further. I know I’m an important part of the team, that feels good.”
The pot also felt good in his hands with Gent in the past second half of the season.
Torunarigha: “Last season we were able to lift a trophy at the end. I see no reason why it shouldn’t be the same this season.”