Belgium league leaders Genk ensured they didn’t waste anytime in signing a replacement for Paul Onuachu who was transferred to English Premier League side Southampton yesterday.
Onuachu as first reported by OGN joined Southampton in a deal worth €18m plus a bonus of €3m. Genk were powerless to stop the lanky forward from leaving after verbally agreeing that he will be allowed to leave in January.
Not to leave a vacuum in the area where he has carried the team, they moved smartly for another Nigerian in 2017 Nigeria U17 striker Tolu Arokodare, who until his move yesterday was at French second division side Amiens on loan from Latvian side Valmiera FC.
The 22 year old has found the back of the net eight times in 23 Ligue 2 games this season. Coach of Genk Wouter Vrancken is a huge admirer of the forward who has almost the same physique as his fellow Nigeiy, whom he replaces at the club.
“Despite his height, he is very agile, fast in the first meters and strong with his head”, Sporting director Dimitri de Condé explains the choice for the new Genk striker.
“Tolu is already showing flashes of its class today. In addition, there is also a lot of stretch. Under the wings of our technical staff, he will be able to take major steps forward in the coming years. We have proven with several other young talents that KRC Genk is the ideal environment for this.”
TArokodare is also delighted with his new home: “I am very happy to be in Genk. At this point in my career I can’t imagine a better club. Together with the team, I hope to continue the good results of the first half of the season and to win trophies. Paul leaves big shoes to fill. But I am determined to give 100% for this great club.”