Marc Overmars, the director at Royal Antwerp FC, wanted to bring Ruben van Bommel to the club. However, Ruben himself did not want to join Antwerp, particularly because he did not want to play under his father, Mark van Bommel, who was the coach. Mark van Bommel mentioned that while Ruben would fit well at Antwerp, they decided against it after careful consideration.

Mark van Bommel revealed that Marc Overmars, the then technical director of Royal Antwerp, wanted to bring Ruben van Bommel to Royal Antwerp FC. However, Ruben did not want this transfer.