Standard rejected a bid for 18-year-old Belgian striker René Mitongo from Almería at the end of the winter transfer window. The offer from the Spanish second division club came after the player had been linked with top clubs in Italy, including Juventus and Milan, earlier in the winter, after he gained notice by scoring four goals at the U17 World Cup. Almería submitted a bid of just under €3 million, but Standard rejected it. The rejection occurred because Standard considers Mitongo an important player for the future whose value is expected to increase. Mitongo's contract is valid until 30/06/2028, and his current market value is €500k, according to Transfermarkt. In the 2025/2026 Jupiler Pro League season, he has made 6 appearances with no goals or assists, and for the Belgium U18 team, he has 3 caps and 1 goal.