Genk President Demands Hefty Fee For Arokodare Amid Growing Transfer Interest.
KRC Genk president Peter Croonen has taken a firm stance on the future of star striker Tolu Arokodare, insisting that the Belgian club will only part with the Nigerian forward for a substantial transfer fee. The declaration, made on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, comes as speculation mounts over the 24-year-old’s potential departure, with top European clubs circling following his stellar 2024/25 season.
Arokodare, who joined Genk from Amiens SC in January 2023 for €5 million, has enjoyed a remarkable campaign, netting 21 goals to clinch the Belgian Pro League’s top scorer title. His exploits also earned him the prestigious Ebony Shoe, awarded to the best African player in Belgium, and a third-place ranking among the league’s overall best players for the season. This scintillating form has attracted interest from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Portuguese giants Benfica, according to reports from Voetbalprimeur and other outlets.
Speaking to TVL Sportcafé, Croonen made it clear that Genk value Arokodare far beyond the €18 million fee received for compatriot Paul Onuachu, who moved to Southampton in January 2023. “An amount like with Onuachu? Let me say that I don’t want to say much about that, but we want much more,” Croonen asserted, underlining the club’s high valuation of their talisman. “There is always pressure to sell, in every football club that wants to function autonomously,” he added, acknowledging the financial dynamics of modern football.
The Nigerian striker’s performances have been pivotal for Genk, who secured a spot in European competition for the 2025/26 season. Despite this achievement, the club faces no immediate pressure to cash in, giving them leverage to demand a premium. Sources suggest Bayern Munich and Benfica are among the suitors, with earlier reports from BILD in April 2025 indicating a potential €25 million price tag, a figure that dwarfs the Onuachu deal.
Arokodare’s rise has been meteoric. After stints with FC Köln in Germany and Amiens in France, the 6ft 6in forward has found his stride in Belgium, blending physical prowess with clinical finishing. His 21 goals and additional assists in the 2024/25 campaign have cemented his status as one of the league’s brightest talents, drawing praise and attention from across the continent.
Genk’s resolve to hold out for a hefty fee reflects their ambition to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe. For Arokodare, a big-money move could be on the horizon, but Croonen’s stance signals that any interested club will need to dig deep to secure the services of the Nigerian star. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Genk and their prized asset, with fans and pundits alike eager to see where Arokodare’s journey takes him next.
