Royal Léopold’s men have made a couple of eye-catching signings with Nelson Onana and Jose Basterra adding even more firepower to their front lines.
They join the Belgian side who won the Ion Hockey League’s men’s regular season but came unstuck in the playoff semi-finals at the hands of eventual champions Gantoise.
Onana switches to the club after six seasons at Braxgata during which time he has established himself in the Red Lions side. He has signed a three-year contract
Basterra, meanwhile, is the 27-year-old star man from Club de Campo, frequently topping their goalscoring charts as he helped the club win two Spanish championships and a King’s Cup. His deal is for two years with an option for two further seasons.
Coach Agustin Corradini said of the additions:“I am delighted to welcome Nelson and José to our project. Nelson and José are two very experienced young players with enormous talent but also with an extraordinary fighting spirit .
“Nelson studies medicine and José works at Deloitte. They will be keen to demonstrate that a career in club and national team is compatible with studies or work. They will bring their talent and warrior spirit to our core.”
Departing this summer, EHL bronze medalists in 2021, Tom Degroote and Lewis Eaton confirmed they will move on to Uccle for next season.
Both played in the EHL in 2018, 2021 and 2023 with Léo while both also appeared in 2016, Eaton with Léo, Degroote with Leuven.
