Why Onuachu did not leave Genk- Club chief reveals

The Nigerian striker was expected to leave the Cristal stadium after scoring 35 goals for Genk last season, but a deal could not take place

Genk technical director Dimitri De Condé has stated that Nigeria international Paul Onuachu wanted to leave the club, but the forward had to stay at the Cristal stadium because there was no good offer on the table.

“We had made agreements with Onuachu and Lucumi that we would think about an outgoing transfer that did not come about, but we are not sorry about that, De Condé told Voetbal Primeur.

“That can only reinforce our sporting ambitions.”

De Condé stated that despite his inability to secure a deal away from Belgium, Onuachu is happy to stay at Genk.

“Their wish to leave was only a personal ambition and never had anything to do with Genk itself. They are still very satisfied with the club and happy to play here,” he added.

Onuachu was the highest goalscorer in the Belgium Jupiler league last season. The former Midtjylland striker helped Genk to a second-place berth in the Belgian top-flight, while he also helped them secure the Beker van Belgie.

The 27-year-old’s feat did not go unnoticed, as he was linked with a move to some top European teams in the summer.

It was reported that Lyon and West Ham were in the mix, while the forward also stated his ambition to play for Arsenal. However, all of those talks amounted to nought as a deal could not be agreed.

Onuachu is currently on international duty for Nigeria, coming on as a second-half substitute in Nigeria’s first game of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Liberia.

The big forward could grab a starting shirt when the Super Eagles play Cape Verde, as Kelechi Iheanacho will not be available for selection due to Covid-19 restrictions.