Fredberg has been Sporting Director of Viborg since 2019, during which time he has led them to promotion to the Danish Superliga and now to second place in the top flight, despite operating with a lower budget than their competitors.

He began his coaching career at Aarhus, before moving to Omonia Nicosia and then Panathinaikos.

Fredberg will work alongside Non-Sport CEO Kenneth Bornauw, who oversees operational and commercial operations, while Peter Verbeke remains off work due to illness, Anderlecht confirmed.

Club President Wouter Vandenhaute said: "With the appointment of Jesper, we are taking an important step in strengthening the sports department of the club. With Jesper, we have someone with a modern football vision that fits seamlessly with the DNA of our club and with the direction we are heading for in the coming years."

Fredberg added: "It is a huge honour to take up this position at Belgium's biggest club. I am fully aware of the challenges, but with its rich past, clear football philosophy and world-famous youth academy, it is crystal clear to me what this club should stand for. I want to outline a strategy based on the values and DNA of this club, building on the work in recent years."

Search under way in Viborg

Viborg had tried to extend Fredberg's contract, but conceded this was too good an opportunity for him to turn down.

The club is now actively recruiting for his successor.

Viborg CEO Morten Jensen said: "Jesper has done a fantastic job in Viborg, and as Sporting Manager has naturally had an important role in the results we have delivered in recent years. The club has moved positively on many parameters, and Jesper has inspired us to think bigger and we will definitely take that with us further.

"Our work to find his replacement is under way, and it is absolutely crucial to find a Sporting Director who can continue the direction that has been set on the pitch. We have built a strong organisation, and it is of course important to recruit a person who fits in with what we stand for as a club."

Picture credit: Anderlecht