Former Belgium and KRC Genk goalkeeper Jacky Mathijssen has revealed why Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has been relegated to a substitute role in the league this season, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 24-year-old forward scored 21 league goals last season for Thorsten Fink’s side, claiming the Belgian Pro League golden boot award.
The former FC Koln striker is yet to start any game for Genk this season. The Blue and Whites have played two league games this season, and Arokodare has played a total of 39 minutes across these two fixtures.
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This has raised eyebrows amongst fans of the club and followers of the striker, who have been left wondering why the club’s best goalscorer has been benched for South Korean forward, Hyeon-gyu Oh.
The 24-year-old started Genk’s games against Club Brugge and Royal Antwerp, scoring one goal, but it appears the South Korean will lead the line for Thorsten Fink’s side going forward in this campaign.
Why Arokodare has been a squad player this season
Mathijssen revealed Arokodare has been kept as a squad player in preparation for a summer move away from the club.
“I think Genk was more in favour of Tolu than Oh as the top striker. Of course, I know that agreements have been made between the club and the two players,” the 62-year-old said in quotes revealed by Voetbal Belgie.
“One is promised a transfer, the other the position of first striker, but as long as Tolu is still there, Fink is still a bit between a rock and a hard place with his strikers. Trapped between agreements and sporting achievements.”
Arokodare has been linked with Atalanta, Fulham, Newcastle, alongside Bundesliga sides – Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart.