Will Southampton and Aston Villa’s past experiences put clubs off signing Genk’s Nigerian star this summer? | OneFootball

The last time a Nigerian striker scored 20 goals for Genk, he earned a move to the Premier League. In back to back seasons Paul Onuachu hit more than 20 goals, with a record breaking 33 in 38 games during the 2020/2021 campaign. In his final half a season at Genk he still managed 17 goals in just 22 games before joining relegation threatened Southampton in the January of the 2022/2023 season. The move failed to work out for both club and player, with the imposing Nigerian only managing four goals in 37 games so far for the Saints.

Perhaps, this failed transfer is why rumours linking Genk’s current Nigerian sensation to a move away this summer are hard to find. Toluwalase Arokodare is currently sitting on 20 goals for the season, coming from just 38 games. He has improved his numbers compared to last campaign where he scored 15 in 52. By no means Onuachu levels, but the strikers replacement has a good record in Belgium. Formerly of Amiens and Koln, the striker has really come of age at Genk.

He is currently the top scorer in the Pro League, but history shows that leaving Genk from this position rarely brings success. Premier League clubs have been enticed into signing Genk’s leading forwards, and on both occasions in the last decade have been burnt. Onuachu followed Mbwana Samatta, who joined Aston Villa and struggled to replicate the form he had shown in Belgium.

Yet, at the age of 24, perhaps Tolu can be different. In comparison to other strikers in the league he wins more of his aerial duels than 85% of the Belgian Pro League’s forwards,, touches the ball 60% more than other forwards and creates more chances than 64%. These are impressive numbers for a player playing alongside some very creative players in an attacking system under Thorsten Fink. However, one area that may concern other teams is that he attempts more shots than 99% of the league. He is underperforming his xG which is 24.8, with 134 shots taken and only 45 of these being on target according to FotMob.

His numbers in terms of goals should bring interested parties to the table this summer. However, past experiences, especially for Premier League sides, may make them look elsewhere.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson