According to some Belgian media, such as Le Soir, the transfer has been estimated at 21 million, which makes him the fourth most expensive signing in the history of a Belgian league player, only behind that of Jéremy Doku, whose pass from the Anderlecht al Rennes cost 26 million; Youri Telemans, who left the same team on his way to Monaco for 25 million; and Marouante Fellaini, who left Standard de Liège for 21.7 million to join Everton.
The Brussels club has thanked on its website the work of the young midfielder during the 12 years in which he has been part of the club’s discipline, from the lower categories to the first team.
The player himself has claimed to feel “proud” for the new step in his career, but at the same time “sad” for leaving Anderlecht.
“I want to thank you all for the love I always received here. I will be a ‘mauve’ all my life,” he declared on the club’s official website, alluding to the club’s color.
The footballer, a right-handed and versatile midfielder skilled in the long pass, did not enter the list of 26 summoned for the Eurocup by Belgium coach Roberto Martínez, but he was part of the group of possible substitutes that the coach called to train before to offer the definitive list.
In his fourth season as a professional, Sambi Lokonga has played 33 games this season and scored 3 goals.