Thorsten Fink provides update on Tolu Arokodare amid summer exit speculation

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

KRC Genk head coach Thorsten Fink has weighed in on mounting speculation surrounding the future of Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, amid growing interest from several top European clubs.

Arokodare, who finished as the top scorer in the Jupiler Pro League last season, has attracted attention from Serie A heavyweights including AC Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus.

While enquiries have been made, no official bid has yet been submitted as clubs continue to monitor his situation.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of Genk’s clash with Antwerp, Fink acknowledged the uncertainty around Arokodare’s future but stressed that the club would remain measured in its approach.

“This is a difficult time for coaches and players, who are still hoping to make a good transfer,” Fink said.

“But someone like Tolu remains available in the meantime. We’re just not going to do anything crazy if a transfer is in the offing. (Smiles) If he’s on the match sheet, you can assume there’s nothing planned.”

Reports suggest that AC Milan have already reached a personal agreement with Arokodare, though Genk are holding firm in their valuation and are seeking a significant transfer fee.

Initial discussions have begun, and there is growing belief that a deal could surpass the club’s record sale — the €25 million move of Sander Berge to Sheffield United in 2020.

Arokodare, 23, joined Genk from French club Amiens in January 2023 for €5 million. He is currently under contract with the Belgian side until June 2027.

Should a deal materialize, it would mark one of the most lucrative outgoing transfers in Genk’s history — and a major step forward in Arokodare’s rising career.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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