Franssen departs Lommel SK with immediate effect to link up with the Young Reds, Royal Antwerp’s Under-23 squad. Having risen through Lommel’s youth academy, he broke into the first team during the 2023/24 season, earning a professional contract in May 2024. Despite the midfielder’s existing contract, Lommel have cooperated fully with the move to the largest city in Flanders.
Sporting Director Jeffrey van As explained the decision: “We would have liked to keep Toon at our club, but this is an opportunity we cannot deny him. Playing for a top club is every footballer’s dream, and Toon’s dream is now coming true. We are proud that a player from our own academy has attracted interest from a club of Antwerp’s stature. It shows the strength of our youth development. We wish Toon every success in Antwerp!”
Franssen added: “I want to thank everyone at Lommel SK enormously for the past years. I grew up at this club and owe a great deal to Lommel SK. I will follow the club with keen interest and wish everyone at Gestelsedijk all the very best!”
