Olivier Deschacht believes Tolu Arokodare, Like Onuachu, could struggle in England

By Monsurah Olatunji

Former Belgian defender Olivier Deschacht has shared his doubts about Tolu Arokodare’s potential to succeed in the Premier League, drawing comparisons to Paul Onuachu’s struggles in England.

Arokodare, the 24-year-old Nigerian striker, has steadily climbed the ranks of European football, playing in Latvia, Sweden, France, and Belgium.

After joining Genk in 2023 as a replacement for Onuachu, who moved to Southampton, Arokodare has been in exceptional form in the Jupiler Pro League, scoring 13 goals and providing 5 assists in just 20 matches this season.

His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with Premier League clubs reportedly showing interest.

Genk has a history of selling key players in the winter transfer window, with recent exits including Onuachu, Daniel Muñoz, and Joseph Paintsil.

Despite Arokodare’s success in Belgium, Deschacht is skeptical about the striker’s ability to make an impact in the Premier League.

Reflecting on Onuachu’s own challenges after his move to Southampton, Deschacht questioned whether Arokodare would fare any better in the English top flight.

“Will someone pay 20 million to take Tolu away? It could be possible, but I don’t think so,” Deschacht told DAZN via voetbalbelgie.

“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.”

Arokodare’s future remains uncertain as transfer rumors swirl, but Deschacht’s comments highlight the pressure of making the leap from Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League to the competitive and fast-paced environment of the Premier League.