The conversation around Tolu Arokodare has been a strange one all summer. While, in the Belgian media, his departure from Genk is spoken of as a foregone conclusion, there have been few concrete links.
Last week, a whisper of Manchester United erupted, and while the player was keen to welcome the insinuation, the reality is that such a move is highly unlikely. Not only is the Red Devils’ financial situation up in the air, but there remain doubts over the Nigeria international’s ability to translate to such a big stage.
More recent links to Fulham make a bit more sense, and even though nothing solid has emerged just yet, it is the right sort of move for Arokodare, both ideally and in actuality. Here are three reasons why.
Premier League midtable is Arokodare’s level
Historically, peak-age strikers from Belgium have struggled in the Premier League. The most recent, Paul Onuachu, is a familiar cautionary tale, but the likes of Wesley and Mbwana Samatta in previous years buttress this fact.
As such, not a lot should be read into Arokodare’s numbers in Belgium. This is not to say he is a bad player; just that some correction is necessary. As opposed to the pressure of a truly massive club, midtable would afford him the opportunity to build slowly and find his feet, and the style, with an elite crosser like Antonee Robinson whipping balls in, would suit him far better.
Nigerian connection to help integration
Furthermore, with fellow Nigerians Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi already at Fulham and thriving, Arokodare would find it even easier to adjust to his surroundings from a cultural standpoint.
The excellence that both have brought to bear – they finished first and second in Fulham’s Player of the Season vote – would also likely influence his perception among fans, making it less likely that they give up on him too quickly.
Discontent in the forward ranks
Fulham do have two strikers on the books in Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz. However, the latter is currently unsettled, and has been the subject of a bid from newly-promoted Leeds United. Simply put, the Brazilian is no longer content to be a rotation option, which is understandable considering he scored 11 goals last season in the equivalent of 15 90s.
Selling him for a big fee and reinvesting to bring in Arokodare would be a win-win for both parties. Fulham would not only get a striker who, while capable, would not kick up a fuss about starting right away, but the 24-year-old would also be able to avoid the spotlight and ease himself into the flow of things.
