Three reasons Genk move could favour Rafiu Durosinmi over Trabzonspor

Rafiu Durosinmi’s future appears set to take another twist, with Belgian side Genk emerging as favourites to sign the Nigerian striker from Pisa, Afrik Foot reports.

The 23-year-old only joined the Italian club in January in a deal worth around €11 million after impressing at Viktoria Plzen, but his stint in Italy quickly turned sour as Pisa suffered relegation to Serie B.

Now, according to reports from Belgium and the Czech Republic, Genk are prepared to pay around €10.5 million to make Durosinmi the most expensive signing in the club’s history.

While Trabzonspor had previously been linked with the towering striker, a move to Belgium may ultimately prove to be the better career decision for the Super Eagles hopeful. Here are three reasons why.

Why Genk can favour Rafiu Durosinmi over Trabzonspor

1. Genk’s proven Nigerian pathway to Europe’s elite

Few clubs in Europe have developed Nigerian forwards as effectively as Genk.

Paul Onuachu transformed from a relatively unknown striker into one of Europe’s most prolific scorers during his time in Belgium, netting 85 goals in 134 appearances before earning a Premier League move to Southampton.

More recently, Tolu Arokodare followed a similar path. The former Amiens striker rediscovered his best form at Genk before sealing a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer.

Durosinmi would arrive at a club that understands how to maximise the qualities of powerful Nigerian centre-forwards.

At 1.92 metres tall, he shares similar physical attributes with both Onuachu and Arokodare, and Genk clearly believe he can follow the same trajectory.

For a player looking to relaunch his career after a disappointing spell in Italy, there may be no better environment.

2. Less pressure and more playing opportunities

Trabzonspor remains one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, but with that status comes enormous pressure.

The Turkish giants demand immediate results, and foreign signings are often expected to hit the ground running. Any slow adaptation period could quickly place Durosinmi under scrutiny.

Genk, meanwhile, have built a reputation for patience and player development.

Belgian football also tends to offer young players greater tactical freedom and opportunities to rebuild confidence. The league’s physical and technical demands could suit Durosinmi’s style more naturally than the intense atmosphere of the Turkish Super Lig.

After scoring just one goal in 12 appearances for Pisa, the Nigerian desperately needs regular football and an environment where mistakes are tolerated during the adaptation process. Genk appears capable of providing exactly that.

3. Belgium could revive his Super Eagles ambitions

Durosinmi remains firmly on the radar of Eric Chelle, but he faces intense competition for places in attack.

Victor Osimhen remains the undisputed number one option, while Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and several emerging talents continue to push for opportunities.

A move to Genk could significantly improve his chances of returning to the Super Eagles conversation.

The Belgian Pro League has become increasingly respected by Nigeria’s coaching staff due to the success stories of players like Onuachu, Arokodare, Yira Sor and Raphael Onyedika.

Regular goals in Belgium would inevitably attract attention from Eric Chelle and his technical crew.

At Trabzonspor, Durosinmi could still thrive, but Genk arguably offers a more direct route towards rediscovering his scoring touch and rebuilding his international reputation.

Durosinmi’s move to Pisa was supposed to be the next major step in his career, but football rarely follows a perfect script.

Rather than remaining in Serie B or taking a risk in Turkey, joining Genk could provide the ideal platform for the Nigerian striker to reset.

The club’s track record with Nigerian forwards, a more developmental environment, and the possibility of reigniting his Super Eagles ambitions all suggest that Belgium may represent the smartest move available this summer.

If the transfer is completed, Durosinmi could soon become the latest Nigerian striker to use Genk as a launchpad towards bigger things.