'Was promised a transfer' – Belgian coach suggests Arokodare's bench role is no coincidence

Belgian coach Jacky Mathijssen has openly questioned Racing Genk’s tactical decision to start South Korean striker Oh Hyeon-gyu instead of Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare in their 1-1 draw against Royal Antwerp on Sunday.

Arokodare, who ended last season as Genk’s top scorer, has yet to start a game in the new campaign amid increasing speculation about his future.

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with summer moves to major European clubs.

Speaking to Het Belang van Limburg,via voetbalbelgie, Mathijssen voiced his concerns about the selection decisions, hinting at behind-the-scenes agreements affecting on-field choices.

“Against a low block like Antwerp's, I think Genk would have benefited more from Tolu than from Oh up front,” Mathijssen said.

“I know, of course, that agreements were made between the club and the two players: one was promised a transfer, the other the starting striker position.”

The former Belgium U21 coach suggested that head coach Thorsten Fink is in a difficult situation, trying to balance contractual promises with the team’s tactical needs.

“But as long as Tolu is still there, Fink is a bit between a rock and a hard place with his strikers. Caught between agreements and performance,” Mathijssen added.

Genk’s draw leaves them with just one point from their opening two fixtures, and questions continue to swirl around Arokodare’s future.

With less than a month remaining in the summer transfer window, the club may soon be forced to make a decisive move regarding their star striker.

Adeyemi Adewale

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