Nigerian striker, Tolu Arokodare, says he is delighted with his move to Belgian table toppers Genk after completing a transfer on deadline day from Latvian side Valmiera FC as he hopes to fill the huge boots left by Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu.
Arokodare who played the first half of the 2022/23 season with French Ligue II side Amiens scoring eight goals in 28 appearances across all competitions was a target for Anderlecht but the Belgian leaders hijacked the deal on deadline day after selling highly rated striker Paul Onuachu to English Premier league side, Southampton.
Genk outbid Anderlecht, paying €5m for the Nigerian on deadline day to bring the Nigerian to the Cegeka Arena on a four and a half year contract.
Reacting to the move, the 22-year-old says he is excited to be joining a team of such magnitude. Arokodare believes he will do his best to continue the good work Onuachu had started with the team.
“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 prizes. Paul leaves big shoes to fill. But I am determined to give 100% for this great club.”
Speaking on the signing, Genk manager, Dimitri de Condé, says he believes the Nigerian will have the opportunity to grow at the club.
“Despite his height, he is very agile, fast in the first meters and strong with his head”, 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 stretching. 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.”
