Exclusive: Genk Striker Tolu Arokodare Attracting Newcastle and Fulham After Breakout Season

Tolu Arokodare is enjoying a standout season with Genk, emerging as one of the Belgian Pro League's top performers. 

With 22 goals to his name, the Nigerian striker has set his sights on winning the league title while attracting interest from Europe's biggest clubs.

A Breakout Season for the Nigerian Forward

Arokodare has set his sights on leading Genk to the Belgian Pro League title this season, following an outstanding individual campaign.

The 23-year-old Nigerian international has been in scintillating form throughout the 2024–2025 campaign, amassing 22 goals and five assists across all competitions, cementing his status as one of the league’s standout performers.

And Arokodare’s exploits have not gone unnoticed. He has been shortlisted for the prestigious Ebony Shoe Award, which honors the best African or African-origin player in the Belgian top flight.

He faces stiff competition from Promise David (Union Saint-Gilloise), Noah Sadiki (Anderlecht), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk), and fellow Nigerian international Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge).

In addition to individual accolades, Arokodare is firmly in contention for the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot, currently leading the scoring charts by two goals over his closest challengers, Kasper Dolberg of Anderlecht and Adriano Bertaccini of Sint-Truiden.

Eyes on the Ultimate Prize

Despite personal success, Arokodare remains grounded, insisting that team achievements are his ultimate priority.

"It feels great, honestly. I try not to overthink it — my main focus is winning the title. Scoring 20 goals is fantastic, but the aim is to win the top prize with this club," Arokodare told SportsBoom.com.

However, Genk’s title hopes have recently hit turbulence. Consecutive defeats to Club Brugge and Union Saint-Gilloise, followed by a draw against Antwerp, have seen Genk surrender their lead at the top, allowing rivals to open a gap in the race for the championship.

"Winning the league would mean everything. This season, I’ve built a strong bond with the fans, and it would make me truly happy if we can reward them with the title." 

Premier League Ambition on the Horizon

Arokodare’s remarkable season has inevitably attracted the attention of Europe’s elite clubs.

Premier League sides Newcastle United and Fulham have reportedly shown interest, while Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also closely monitoring his situation. 

Portuguese champions Benfica and Turkish giants Trabzonspor are similarly credited with an interest.

Acknowledging the growing speculation, Arokodare admitted that a move to the Premier League would fulfill a lifelong ambition.

"For the media noise, I just try to stay focused and keep a clear head," he said. 

"The future is unwritten, but like many players, it’s a dream of mine to one day play in the Premier League."

A Rising Star Destined for the Top

Signed two years ago as a direct replacement for Paul Onuachu following the Nigerian striker’s move to Southampton, Arokodare has more than lived up to expectations at the Cegeka Arena.

Currently valued at €17 million, the powerful forward represents not only a key player for Genk’s present ambitions but also a highly coveted talent for Europe's top clubs in the upcoming summer transfer window.