English Premier League
Former Belgium defender urges Nigeria striker to turn down EPL offers

By Wale Mustapha
Retired Belgium defender Olivier Deschacht has expressed concerns about the potential challenges Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare might face if he moves to the English Premier League (EPL).
Arokodare has been in exceptional form in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League this season, leading the league’s top scorer charts with 13 goals and 5 assists. His performances have drawn the attention of several EPL clubs, with Racing Genk reportedly hoping to receive a bid of around 25 million euros for the 24-year-old striker.
Despite Arokodare’s impressive displays, Deschacht is wary of the move, citing the struggles of fellow Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu, who has found it difficult to perform at Southampton after his switch from Genk. Onuachu has failed to score in 24 matches for the Premier League club, which has led Deschacht to question whether Arokodare could fare any better.
“Will someone pay 20 million to take Tolu away? It could be possible, but I don’t think so,” Deschacht told DAZN. “I look at Onuachu. I rate him higher than Tolu, but he couldn’t make it in the Premier League. It would be difficult for Tolu too.”
Onuachu’s ongoing struggles serve as a cautionary tale for Arokodare, who will need to prove he can adapt to the pace and intensity of the Premier League if he makes the move. Despite the interest, Deschacht’s comments highlight the risks involved in such a high-profile transfer.