Super Eagles striker linked to a move to Spain

There are presently three top Nigerian strikers at Racing Genk following the arrival of Chelsea academy product Ike Ugbo, with one likely to move away before the transfer window slams shut

According to Belgian football publication VoetbalPrimeur, an unnamed Spanish club is interested in acquiring the services of Belgian-born Nigerian international Cyriel Dessers this summer.

But the report is suggesting that Dessers would only be allowed to leave Genk if the club manages to hold on to fellow Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu.

Dessers have not had it smooth sailing at Genk since he moved to the Luminus Arena last year from Dutch side Heracles Almelo for €4 million.

The former Utrecht star joined the Smurfs poised to be the Belgian club’s first striker following a prolific season where he finished as the joint top scorer in the Eredivisie.

It, however, turned out differently with compatriot Paul Onuachu enjoying a record-breaking goalscoring campaign that sealed his spot as Genk’s main man.

Featuring predominantly from the bench, Dessers managed just seven goals and three assists in 34 matches across all competitions for the Belgian Cup winners.

The 26-year-old has started this season in fine form, scoring one in two Champions League qualifying games and providing two assists in three Jupiler Pro League matches.

Still, Genk have added former Chelsea ace Ike Ugbo to their squad, which could further reduce Dessers’ playing time.

And with interest in Onuachu cooling off in recent days, Dessers could find himself become the club’s third-choice striker. This situation could harm his chances with the Nigerian national team.

Dessers made his Super Eagles debut last October in the 1-1 friendly match against Tunisia, but he has not earned another call-up since that time.