Could former Schalke 04 boss Karel Geraerts be the answer to Anderlecht's coaching woes? After parting ways with Stade Reims in Ligue 2, the Belgian tactician is suddenly available—and that's got the rumor mill spinning in the Jupiler Pro League.

Geraerts' departure from Reims came as little surprise. Despite having a year left on his contract, the club and coach agreed to end their partnership after failing to secure promotion back to Ligue 1. The team missed the promotion playoffs by just two points, a narrow margin that ultimately cost Geraerts his job.

For Anderlecht, the timing is intriguing. The Brussels giants have been searching for a permanent manager since parting ways with Besnik Hasi earlier this season. They've been running with interim boss Jeremy Taravel, who has shown flashes of promise but lacks the experience needed to guide a club of Anderlecht's stature. Geraerts, with his proven track record and availability, could be the steady hand they need.

But here's the catch: Geraerts' best work came a few seasons ago at Union Saint-Gilloise, Anderlecht's city rivals. After taking over from Felice Mazzu, he led Union to a thrilling title challenge, winning 35 matches while losing just 11. That success, however, feels like a distant memory. His subsequent stint at Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga 2 was a mixed bag—12 wins, seven draws, and 14 losses in a high-pressure environment where expectations dwarfed resources. The club has only recently returned to the top flight under current boss Miron Muslic, highlighting just how tough that job was.

Then came Reims, another club with promotion ambitions but limited means. Geraerts had to sell key players and couldn't quite get the squad over the line. Sound familiar? It's a pattern that might give Anderlecht pause.

There's also the matter of Geraerts' playing career. A former Club Brugge stalwart, his history with Anderlecht's biggest rival could be a sticking point for some fans. But in football, results often trump allegiances, and Geraerts knows the Belgian league inside out.

For Anderlecht, the question isn't just about Geraerts' past—it's about whether he can recapture the magic from his Union days. With the season winding down and a permanent decision looming, the Purple & White have a big choice to make. Is Geraerts the man to lead them forward, or is this a case of hiring based on a reputation that's starting to fade?