'Too risky' – Genk coach explains why Wolves target Arokodare missed UEL playoff clash

Racing Genk manager Thorsten Fink has confirmed that Tolu Arokodare was omitted from the squad for Thursday's Europa League playoff second leg clash against Lech Poznań due to ongoing transfer negotiations with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Speaking after his side's 2-1 defeat at Cegeka Arena, Fink revealed that the Nigerian striker was deliberately left out to avoid unnecessary risk, with discussions between Genk and the Premier League club at an advanced stage.

"Negotiations are underway. There's a club interested. It was too risky for both parties to play," Fink was quoted as saying by Het Laatste Nieuws. 

"We're working with players I know can give it their all, not with guys who might be preoccupied. It was better for everyone to leave Tolu out of the squad."

Although Arokodare was present at Genk on Thursday, he had been informed in advance that he would not feature. 

The decision was also influenced by the context of the tie, with Genk holding a commanding 5-1 lead from the first leg in Poland.

Should the deal be completed, Arokodare's move to Molineux could come close to Genk's club-record transfer fee received, set in 2020 when Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge joined Sheffield United for €25 million.

Arokodare joined Genk from Amiens SC in January 2023 and has since established himself as one of the Pro League's most prolific strikers, scoring 41 goals in 113 all-competition appearances.

He finished last season as the Belgian top-flight's Golden Boot winner.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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