Belgian clubs target Marseille’s third‑choice keeper Jelle Van Neck

OH Leuven and KV Mechelen are both circling Marseille’s 22‑year‑old goalkeeper Jelle Van Neck, the French club’s third‑choice keeper who has yet to make a first‑team appearance since joining in 2022. Both Belgian sides see him as a potential solution to upcoming goalkeeper vacancies. Van Neck, often referenced as HNB, is 22 and came through the Club Brugge academy before signing for Marseille in 2022. At the French side he has been listed as the third‑choice goalkeeper, spending most of his time with Marseille B and the academy rather than the senior squad. OH Leuven anticipate the departure of Belgian youngster Tobe Leysen during this transfer window. The club view Van Neck as a direct replacement for the talented goalkeeper they are set to lose.

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KV Mechelen are looking to move on from Ortwin De Wofl after Nacho Miras claimed the number‑one spot last season. Bringing Van Neck in would create competition for Miras and bolster their goalkeeping options. Van Neck is likely to favour a move back to Belgium, having never featured for Marseille’s first team. He has also earned caps at youth level for the Belgian national side, underscoring his domestic pedigree. If Leysen exits, OH Leuven could offer Van Neck more immediate first‑team chances than KV Mechelen, where Miras was among the Pro League’s better keepers last season and is expected to retain his starting role. At KV Mechelen, Van Neck would provide competition but would have to challenge an established starter, meaning his playing time may be limited initially.