Genk's Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare recently opened up about his decision to stay with Belgian club KRC Genk, despite enticing offers from Turkey.
Although Trabzonspor, a club keen to replace Nigerian compatriot Paul Onuachu, showed serious interest, Arokodare ultimately chose to continue in Belgium—a choice heavily influenced by his coach, German tactician Thorsten Fink.
The striker revealed that doubts about his form arose last season, leading him to feel unsettled in Genk. Fans and pundits questioned his starting position, and this negativity prompted Arokodare to consider a move.
Tolu Arokodare almost left Genk last summer
“I was close to leaving,” he admitted, explaining that his confidence had taken a hit. “There was no longer any positive energy around me. I felt like I couldn’t do anything right,” he shared.
The 23-year-old striker considered the financial incentives offered by the Turkish side, but was initially hesitant about a move to Turkey.
“At my age, you only make that move if it’s to Galatasaray, Besiktas, or Fenerbahçe. Still, I eventually started to consider it.”
However, Coach Fink’s belief in him brought a shift in Arokodare’s perspective. Fink, who valued the Nigerian’s talent as a target man, encouraged him to stay, seeing him as integral to Genk’s game.
Fink advice gets Tolu Arokodare roaring again
The German manager reassured Arokodare, saying, “You’re not a player for Turkey. Stay with me for one more year, and you’ll be in the Premier League.”
This heartfelt advice gave Arokodare a renewed sense of confidence and clarity. “Hearing something like that gives you a lot of confidence,” Arokodare noted.
This season, Arokodare has thrived under Fink’s guidance, notching eight goals and three assists in the Jupiler Pro League.
His contributions have cemented his place in the Genk line-up, reflecting his commitment and skill.
Despite being left out of Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, his performances in Belgium suggest he could be on the radar for future call-ups.
With Fink’s mentorship and his determination to prove himself, Arokodare’s journey at Genk might indeed lead him to bigger opportunities, perhaps in England’s Premier League—or even a call-up into Nigeria’s national team setup.
