Will Southampton, Aston Villa's past deter clubs from signing Genk's Nigerian star?

Posted : 18 April 2025

The last Nigerian striker to score 20 goals for Genk secured a Premier League move. Paul Onuachu achieved this feat in back-to-back seasons, including a remarkable 33 goals in 38 matches during the 2020/2021 campaign. Even during his final months at Genk, Onuachu maintained a strong performance, netting 17 goals in just 22 games before joining struggling Southampton in January 2022. Unfortunately, his transfer to the Premier League did not yield the expected success, as he managed only four goals in 37 appearances for the Saints.

This disappointing transfer may be why rumors surrounding Genk’s current Nigerian forward, Toluwalase Arokodare, moving elsewhere this summer have been scarce. Arokodare has already scored 20 goals in 38 games this season, a marked improvement from his previous campaign, where he managed 15 goals in 52 appearances. Although not yet at Onuachu’s level, Arokodare has still proven himself as a reliable striker in Belgium. His journey from Amiens and Koln to becoming a top performer at Genk has been impressive.

Currently leading the Pro League in goals, Arokodare is certainly drawing attention, but history suggests that leaving Genk as the top scorer rarely leads to success. Premier League clubs have been enticed by Genk’s top forwards in the past, but both Onuachu and Mbwana Samatta—who moved to Aston Villa—struggled to replicate their Belgian form in England. These past experiences may lead some teams to hesitate before pursuing Arokodare.

At just 24, Arokodare could be the exception to this trend. Compared to other forwards in the Pro League, he stands out for winning more aerial duels than 85% of his peers, touching the ball 60% more frequently, and creating more chances than 64% of other forwards. These statistics reflect his effectiveness in Genk’s dynamic, attacking system under coach Thorsten Fink, alongside some talented creative players.

However, one area of concern for potential suitors is Arokodare's shooting accuracy. He takes more shots than 99% of the league, yet his xG (expected goals) stands at 24.8, with only 45 of his 134 shots on target, according to FotMob. This inefficiency could raise questions about his ability to consistently convert chances, especially at a higher level like the Premier League.

While Arokodare's goal-scoring record is sure to attract attention this summer, Premier League clubs, in particular, may be cautious. Their past experiences with players transitioning from Genk have often ended in disappointment, and they may prefer to look elsewhere for proven talent. Nonetheless, Arokodare's potential remains undeniable, and the right environment could help him thrive in a more competitive league.

Ultimately, Arokodare’s future will depend on how well he can continue to refine his game and whether he can overcome the challenges that previous Genk strikers have faced when making the leap to bigger leagues. His impressive statistics and potential to grow could make him an attractive option for clubs willing to invest in his development.

Will Southampton, Aston Villa's past deter clubs from signing Genk's Nigerian star?

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