Radja Nainggolan, who is currently under contract with Lokeren-Temse, had been in negotiations with Beerschot. He had a strong desire to return to his former club to help them avoid relegation. Nainggolan was in talks with Beerschot's chairman Selahattin Baki, the new sporting director Murat Akin, and Dirk Kuijt. Despite being willing to assist the team without needing to play all the time, the negotiations did not advance. Nainggolan felt strung along for a month without communication from Beerschot, and when he sought clarity, he was informed that the answer was no. He expressed his disappointment and frustration over the failed negotiations, feeling like he had been made to look foolish.