Senne Lammens & Top 7 Club Brugge Graduates

Discover the top 7 Club Brugge graduates, from Igor Thiago to Senne Lammens at Man Utd, see why Jan Breydel is a world-class factory.

Club Brugge has evolved into one of Europe’s premier “finishing schools”. The club’s strategy is a masterclass in modern football management: identifying young talents, polishing them through Champions League exposure, and preparing them for the world’s biggest stages.

To be featured in this elite list, these Club Brugge graduates must meet three criteria: arriving at Jan Breydel at age 22 or younger, showcasing potential in Belgium, and successfully moving to a top-tier European league.

These seven stars prove that the “Blue-Black” system is the ultimate gateway to the footballing elite.

1. Ivan Perisic (Croatia)

Before he became a World Cup icon, Ivan Perisic was a raw talent struggling for consistency in France. Club Brugge took a calculated gamble on the 20-year-old winger in 2009, signing him from Sochaux. It was in Bruges that his career truly exploded.

*Ivan Perisic Croatia is one of the most notable Club Brugge graduates. Image: Getty Images*

In just two seasons, Perisic became the league’s Top Scorer and was named the Belgian Player of the Year in 2011. As one of the most successful Club Brugge graduates, this spectacular stint served as his professional springboard, leading to high-profile trophies at Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and Bayern Munich.

Shining at Club Brugge at a young age, Ivan Perisic is indeed a product of Hajduk Split Academy (READ MORE: 10 Elite Players Made in Hajduk Split Academy).

2. Arnaut Danjuma (Netherlands)

Arnaut Danjuma remains one of the most electric wingers to have graced the Jan Breydel pitch.

Arriving in 2018 at the age of 21 from the Dutch second division, many doubted if he could handle the step up. However, Danjuma immediately silenced critics with his explosive pace, famously scoring a world-class long-range goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Although his time in Bruges was short, it was the crucial period where he transitioned from a prospect to a proven elite attacker. His performances earned him a move to the Premier League and later a starring role at Villarreal, where he led them to a Champions League semi-final.

3. Odilon Kossounou (Ivory Coast)

The rise of Odilon Kossounou perfectly embodies the club’s defensive excellence.

Signed as an 18-year-old from Sweden in 2019, the Ivorian center-back was a diamond in the rough. Under the club’s guidance, he developed into a sophisticated, ball-playing defender who combined raw physical power with tactical intelligence.

His rapid development led to a major move to Bayer Leverkusen, where he became a Bundesliga Invincible champion under Xabi Alonso. His journey has since taken him to Atalanta in Serie A.

Kossounou remains one of the most successful defensive Club Brugge graduates, proving he can thrive in both the Bundesliga and Serie A.

4. Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium)

The “Golden Boy” of Bruges, Charles De Ketelaere, is the ultimate homegrown success story.

Joining the academy at age 7, CDK rose through every rank to become the face of the club by age 20. His versatility and elegance led to a club-record transfer to AC Milan in 2022.

While the move to Milan was a massive step, it was at Atalanta where he truly rediscovered his world-class form. Now a key pillar of the Bergamo side and a Europa League champion, CDK remains the most successful modern creative talent produced by the Club Brugge academy.

5. Senne Lammens (Belgium)

While strikers often take the headlines, Senne Lammens represents the pinnacle of goalkeeping development within the Club Brugge system.

Joining the youth ranks at age 12, Lammens was groomed to be a talent shot-stopper. However, his path to the top required a strategic detour; in 2023, he made the bold decision to leave Jan Breydel for Royal Antwerp.

This move proved to be a masterstroke. At Antwerp, Lammens developed into the most dominant goalkeeper in the Belgian Pro League, showcasing elite reflexes and modern ball-playing ability. His meteoric rise eventually triggered a high-profile transfer to Manchester United in late 2025.

Today, as one of the most exciting young keepers in the Premier League, Lammens stands as a symbol of the resilience and elite preparation shared by the most successful Club Brugge graduates.

6. Igor Thiago (Brazil)

The most recent example of Brugge’s “Scout and Sell” masterclass is the Brazilian powerhouse Igor Thiago.

Arriving in 2023 at the age of 22 from Ludogorets, Thiago responded by netting a sensational 29 goals in his debut season. His impact was so immediate that Brentford broke their transfer record to sign him for €37 million.

Thiago has taken that momentum straight to England, where he is currently tearing up the Premier League. His consistent goal-scoring run in the EPL has silenced any doubters, proving that the physical and tactical schooling he received at Club Brugge prepared him perfectly for the world’s most demanding league.

7. Lois Openda (Belgium)

Lois Openda joined the Club Brugge academy at age 15, and his journey is a masterclass in patient development. It was during his formative years at Jan Breydel that he learned the tactical movements and finishing composure necessary for the elite level.

After proving his worth through strategic loans, Openda was sold for a significant profit to Lens and subsequently to RB Leipzig. In September 2025, Openda signed for Juventus on loan – another elite club in the Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the most expensive Club Brugge graduate sold to the Premier League?

The record is held by Igor Thiago, who joined Brentford for a fee of approximately €37 million in 2024.

Which Club Brugge graduates have moved to Manchester United?

Senne Lammens made a high-profile move to Manchester United to replace Andre Onana.

How does Club Brugge define a “successful graduate”?

A successful graduate is typically a player who joins the club before age 22, develops through their youth or first-team systems, and successfully transitions to a “Top 5” European league (Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, or Ligue 1).

Is Charles De Ketelaere still at AC Milan?

Charles De Ketelaere moved to Atalanta in 2023, where he rediscovered his best form and helped the Italian side win the UEFA Europa League in 2024.

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