MILLWALL’S new Belgian signing Mathis Servais is in “top physical condition” and the move to the Championship for the 21-year-old is not too early, according to KV Mechelen head coach Fred Vanderbiest.
The Lions made Servais their third signing of the summer after he moved from the Belgian Pro League side on a long-term deal for an undisclosed fee.
Vanderbiest had the versatile Servais for just one season after he joined from top-flight rivals SK Beveren last summer.
Servais scoured two goals and registered four assists in 34 games last season to help the side finish sixth.
The Belgium under-21 international can play anywhere on the left flank and in central midfield.
Millwall have also signed midfielder Jenson Metcalfe from Bradford City and forward Tairyk Arconte from Rodez this summer.
“He is in top physical condition and passed one of the best tests we have,” Vanderbiest told the Belgian media outlet Nieuwsblad. “I don’t see what the difference will be there. Is it perhaps too early? I don’t think so. Mathis has shown that he can play both centrally and as a wing-back. That will certainly have helped.”
Malinwa technical director Tom Caluwe added: “When all parties involved can agree on a deal, we should not stand in the way of such a move. Mathis showed last season that he possesses a lot of qualities and played an important role in the strong season. That has now earned him a great transfer. This transfer shows that KV Mechelen is an excellent springboard for talented players.”
Mechelen played their first friendly of pre-season against Rupel Boom at the weekend. Servais was absent as he was in London completing his Lions medical.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been given over the past year,” Servais said. “KV Mechelen has given me so much in a short time, both as a footballer and as a person. Although I only played here for one season, I am proud to have been part of a historic year for the club.
“I want to thank the supporters, the staff, and my team-mates for everything. What everyone says is really true: Malinwa is a warm family club. I am happy to have been a part of it.”
