Lisandro Magallán came to Ajax for nine million euros in the 2018/2019 success season, but was actually written off immediately after a false start: on his Eredivisie debut, a historic 6-2 defeat against Feyenoord was suffered. After laborious lending at Deportivo Alavés and Crotone, the Argentine is now setting up with Anderlecht.
Magallán made his debut in a cup match against sc Heerenveen at the beginning of 2019, but then immediately faced an excellent Robin van Persie. “Unfortunately, that punishment against Feyenoord followed. That wasnt good, but you also have to look at the circumstances,” he looks back in conversation with Het Nieuwsblad. “I first came to Europe, away from my family, didnt speak English and just after that match I got injured. It was just against it. After that, the team started running and I didnt get any more chances.”
His third loan also seemed to be a failure: Magallán was already jokingly called Lisandro Mag in Belgium. However, he took his spot at the end of November and Anderlecht has since been undefeated. “It was only since Ive been with Anderlecht that I have been mentally strong enough to succeed,” says the central defender, who is still stuck with Ajax until mid-2023. “I wasnt mentally ready for those lending. Since last year, a lot of attention has been paid to the mental health of athletes, not yet. I felt alone.”
Ajax mercenary ‘Mag go’ focuses on Anderlecht: ‘Only strong enough’
