Anderlecht Targets Santi Garcia as Replacement for Saliba

Anderlecht’s response to losing Nathan Saliba to Villarreal is already taking shape. The Belgian club have turned their attention to Santi Garcia of Gil Vicente as they search for a new midfield anchor, according to HLN.

The Portuguese club initially aimed high. Gil Vicente were reportedly holding out for a fee north of €10m, hoping to cash in on one of their key assets. That stance has softened slightly, with suggestions they are now prepared to accept a little less, but the ambition remains the same: they want Garcia to become the most expensive sale in the club’s history.

It would cap a rapid rise.

Garcia came through in Spain at Getafe, but his breakthrough never really arrived there. He trained with the first team yet managed just a single senior appearance before his contract ran out. In 2024 he took a gamble, left Spanish football on a free, and signed for Gil Vicente.

The move transformed his career. Garcia immediately nailed down a starting role, playing 30 games in his first season and contributing four goals and two assists from midfield. That consistency set the stage for what followed.

Last season he went up a level. The 24-year-old delivered a genuine breakout campaign, scoring six goals and adding three assists in 34 matches, establishing himself as one of Gil Vicente’s most influential players.

Now Anderlecht, suddenly light in midfield after Saliba’s departure, are testing just how expensive that influence will be.