KRC Genk president Peter Croonen has made it clear that the Belgian club will only entertain offers significantly higher than the €18 million received for Paul Onuachu when evaluating the future of Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare.
Speaking on TVL Sportcafé, Croonen emphasized Arokodare’s rising value, noting that the 24-year-old now surpasses Onuachu in importance to the team. Onuachu left Genk for Southampton in January 2023, but Croonen dismissed the possibility of accepting a similar fee for Arokodare.
“A fee like Onuachu’s? Let me just say I don’t want to talk too much about it, but we want much more,” Croonen said.
Arokodare had a standout 2024/25 season, finishing as the Belgian League’s top scorer with 21 goals. He was also awarded the Ebony Shoe, which recognizes the best African player in Belgian football. Since joining Genk from French side Amiens SC for €5 million in early 2023, Arokodare’s market value has soared, currently peaking at €13 million on Transfermarkt. However, the club’s internal valuation is believed to be considerably higher, especially with major European clubs showing interest.
Among those reportedly monitoring Arokodare’s situation are Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Portuguese giants Benfica.
Croonen explained that Genk is not under financial pressure to sell and will only consider parting ways with Arokodare on their own terms. “With a European ticket, there is more leeway, but of course we do have our own reserves. We can therefore determine ourselves when we sell,” he said.
He also acknowledged that managing transfer expectations is part of operating a club like Genk, which is known for developing top talent. “There’s always pressure to sell at every football club that wants to operate independently,” Croonen added, noting the balance between financial responsibility and sporting ambition.
In addition to Arokodare, the club may also see Moroccan winger Zakaria El Ouahdi leave this summer. However, Genk has ruled out immediate transfers for rising stars Matte Smets and Kos Karetsas, despite ongoing interest from top European sides.
Genk sporting director Dimitri De Condé reinforced the likelihood of Arokodare’s departure. Speaking to Het Belang van Limburg, De Condé revealed growing interest from player agents, although no formal offers have yet been submitted.
“I estimate the chance of a possible departure of our top scorer at 99 per cent. There is no concrete offer on the table yet, but there is a huge demand from brokers who want to act as an intermediary. From experience, I say he’s leaving. Arokodare is very well in the market and is also ready to take the next step,” De Condé said.
Arokodare was part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2025 Unity Cup in the UK, scoring in the penalty shootout victory over Jamaica in the final. He is also set to feature in Nigeria’s upcoming friendly against Russia in Moscow this Friday, capping a remarkable season both at club and international level.
