Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare has penned an emotional farewell to Genk supporters as he prepares to finalise a £27m move to Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 24-year-old is expected to be unveiled by Wolves on Monday after passing a medical, with the fee representing a club-record sale for Genk. His departure closes a two-year chapter in Belgium that saw him develop into one of the league’s most feared forwards.
Emotional Goodbye
Taking to social media, Arokodare thanked Genk fans for their support and reflected on the memories he has made since joining in 2023.
“After two years with this club and amazing fans, it’s time for me to take the next step in my career,” he wrote on X.
“I want to thank every single teammate, coach and supporter who has been with me on this journey. The city of Genk has been nothing but good to me and it will always be a place I’ll treasure. I leave proud to have played for this badge and wish the club nothing but success in the future.”
His farewell message quickly drew tributes from Genk fans, who hailed his commitment and goalscoring exploits during his time in Belgium.
From Pro League Star to Premier League
Arokodare leaves Genk on the back of a prolific campaign in which he finished as top scorer in the Belgian Pro League with 21 goals. His form was instrumental in helping the club secure European qualification and maintain their reputation as one of Belgium’s top talent developers.
For Wolves, the signing represents a statement of intent. Manager Gary O’Neil has been seeking greater firepower after a season in which the club relied heavily on narrow victories and lacked a consistent goalscorer. Arokodare’s height, movement and finishing ability make him an ideal fit for the physical demands of English football.
The Nigerian international joins a growing list of players to move from Belgium’s top flight to the Premier League, following the successful pathways of stars such as Leandro Trossard and Amadou Onana.
Genk’s Business Model in Action
For Genk, Arokodare’s departure continues their tradition of developing young talent before selling at significant profit. The €27m fee provides financial flexibility as they look to reinvest in their squad. Though fans will be disappointed to see their talisman leave, the club is renowned for unearthing replacements quickly.
In recent seasons, Genk have lost key players like Paul Onuachu and Jhon Lucumí, yet consistently remain competitive in domestic and European competitions. The money generated from Arokodare’s sale is expected to be used to strengthen multiple positions ahead of a challenging campaign.
Nigeria’s Next Premier League Star?
Arokodare now has the opportunity to establish himself as the latest Nigerian striker to shine in England. He follows in the footsteps of Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obafemi Martins, Odion Ighalo and Taiwo Awoniyi, all of whom left their mark on the Premier League.
For the Super Eagles, the move is another boost, giving national team coach Finidi George more attacking depth ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers. Arokodare’s ability to combine physicality with poise in front of goal could see him become a regular fixture for club and country.
Wolves’ Ambitions
Wolves fans will be eager to see their new signing in action, with Arokodare expected to make his debut after the international break. His arrival adds competition to the frontline and eases the burden on Hwang Hee-chan, who carried much of the team’s scoring responsibility last season.
The £27m investment underlines the club’s ambition to move up the Premier League table and challenge for European places. If Arokodare adapts quickly, Wolves could have found the striker they have long been searching for.
For now, Genk lose a hero, Wolves gain a new talisman, and Arokodare takes the next step in a career that shows no signs of slowing down.
