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He is a balance keeper. He also has a lot of game insight and is comfortable on the ball," Rigaux explained.
Rigaux expressed optimism about finalizing the transfer. "If he actually signs, we will be very happy that he is Feyenoord's first acquisition," he concluded.
Media Skepticism Emerges
The transfer has drawn scrutiny from Dutch media figures.
Journalists Mike Verweij and Valentijn Driessen expressed skepticism on De Telegraaf's Kick-off podcast regarding the timing and Vanhoutte's international pedigree.
Verweij questioned the narrative surrounding the recruitment process.
"What I found striking is that he confidently said that evaluation around Robin van Persie took place, while there are very clear signals that people had been approached earlier," he said.
Driessen raised concerns about Vanhoutte's limited involvement with the Belgian national team, having played only four minutes in a single international match against Kazakhstan.
"He is simply missing from the World Cup selection. A 27-year-old midfielder, missing from the national team.
Nice also did poorly last year and he has to carry Feyenoord in the Eredivisie. I am very curious," Driessen commented.
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Feyenoord pursued the early signing to solidify its midfield depth amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the futures of current midfielders In-beom Hwang and Jakub Moder.
