Rafiu Durosinmi: Nigeria striker completes permanent move to Genk on four-year deal

Nigeria forward Rafiu Durosinmi has completed a permanent transfer to Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk from Italian club Pisa on a four-year contract.

The 23-year-old becomes Genk’s second signing of the summer window as the former Belgian champions look to rebuild a squad capable of challenging at the top of the table.

Genk confirmed the deal on their official channels, with the club’s hierarchy describing Durosinmi as the “typical number 9” they had been seeking to spearhead their attack.

Onuachu’s influence and Durosinmi’s ambitions

Durosinmi, who previously made his name in the Czech First Division with Viktoria Plzen, says former Genk star Paul Onuachu was instrumental in persuading him to move to the Cegeka Arena.

“I want to be important for the team from day one, score goals, and give everything in every match.,” Durosinmi told the club’s official website.

“I spoke with Paul about the club. He told me many great things about Genk, the supporters, and the way the club works with players. I am proud to be a Genkie.”

Onuachu enjoyed a prolific spell at Genk before moving on to the Premier League, and his endorsement appears to have played a significant role in convincing Durosinmi that the Belgian club was the right next step in his career.

Proven goal threat from Czech league

Before his switch to Pisa and subsequent move to Belgium, Durosinmi built a strong reputation in the Czech top flight with Viktoria Plzen.

Across all competitions for Plzen, the Nigerian scored 35 goals and registered 10 assists in 86 appearances, underlining his effectiveness in and around the penalty area.

His performances there earned him international recognition with Nigeria and attracted interest from clubs across Europe, with Genk ultimately winning the race for his signature.

‘A typical number 9’ – Genk outline expectations

Head of Football Dimitri de Conde believes Durosinmi’s profile fits perfectly with Genk’s tactical identity and ambitions for the coming seasons.

“Rafiu is a striker with qualities that align well with the way KRC Genk wants to play,” de Conde said.

“He is good in the box and also strong on the ball in combination play. A typical number 9 to whom you can pass the ball. We were also looking for a profile that can make an immediate impact and that fits within our ambition to compete at the top again. Rafiu meets those requirements.”

Genk are targeting a return to the summit of Belgian football after missing out on the title in recent campaigns, and the club sees Durosinmi as a central piece in that project.

Building for a title challenge

Durosinmi’s arrival continues a summer of careful recruitment at Genk, who are aiming to strengthen key positions while maintaining their reputation for developing talent.

The Nigerian joins a club known for nurturing forwards who later move to Europe’s elite leagues, a path previously trodden by the likes of Onuachu.

With a four-year deal in place, both player and club are signalling a long-term commitment, as Durosinmi looks to translate his scoring record from the Czech Republic to Belgian football and help propel Genk back into the title race.