Former Pompey defender Christian Burgess is on the move this summer following his Royal Union Saint-Gilloise departure.
There will be no sensational Pompey reunion for Christian Burgess this summer.
Clamour amongst some members of the Fratton faithful grew following the central defender’s departure from Union Saint-Gilloise at the end of the campaign.
Burgess was central to USG’s rise from Belgium’s second-tier to Jupiler Pro League champions and leaves the Joseph Marien Stadium having also secured two Belgium Cups.
And having become a free agent this summer, the League Two title winner's availability alerted some Blues supporters as they hoped for a Fratton Park homecoming.
Christian Burgess seals next career move
But that won’t be the case, with the ex-Middlesbrough & Arsenal man remaining on the continent and in Belgium.
The Buffaloes finished fourth at the end of the regular Pro League season last term, but did secure a Europa Conference League spot next season.
And Gent’s Operational Director, Jeld Fort, expressed his excitement at being able to lure a ‘leader’ into their ranks.
‘We are happy and proud to be able to bring a player of his status to Gent. He will also be important in the development and guidance of our younger players.’
News of Burgess’ Belgium switch rules out a return to Fratton Park, where he enjoyed five successful seasons, this summer.
After arriving under Paul Cook during the 2015 overhaul, the central defender amassed 210 outings in all competitions - netting on 12 occasions.
The former Peterborough United man also helped the Blues to the League Two title in 2017 and EFL Trophy success at Wembley in March 2019.
Despite claiming Pompey’s Player of the Year during the 2019-20 campaign, Burgess went on to depart Fratton Park that summer joining USG.
Former Pompey favourite rules out Fratton return
Christian Burgess, right, celebrates Pompey's 2016-17 League Two title win with Blues team-mate Carl Baker. Picture:Joe Peplerplaceholder image
Christian Burgess, right, celebrates Pompey's 2016-17 League Two title win with Blues team-mate Carl Baker. Picture:Joe Pepler
He told The News in June 2025: ‘Coming back to England is never going to happen, it’s just never going to happen.
‘There have been a few social media messages from Pompey fans in jest trying to get me back there because obviously they know I’m playing in the Champions League next year.
‘But then there have been others saying “Come back tomorrow”. Maybe they don’t know what I would have to give up to return to Pompey!
‘There’s just not the right fit any more for where my career is and where Pompey are. I don’t even think they’d want to sign a 33-year-old centre-half because there’s no value in it for them, apart from performance.
‘There’s no resale value, even if they signed me for free, which they probably could. Union would never stand in my way if it was something I really wanted.
‘It just doesn't match up, though, it’s not one of those realistic things. My time for Pompey has gone, probably England is gone, but I love having a good relationship with the club and I still always follow their results.
‘Even if a top Championship club offered something better financially, do you want to go and play 24 away games in a season, constantly away from your family? Or do you remain in Belgium, where we never stay over in hotels because everything is so close, apart from the occasional 1pm kick-off.
‘Ross Sykes, who we signed from Accrington, has had some interest from the Championship, but he’s here competing for the top level in Belgium and playing European football. He has just signed a long-term deal to stay, he sees his future here.
‘For me, England is just not going to happen, especially at my age.’
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