The Limburgers have the rare privilege of keeping two Nigeria international strikers on their payroll, but it may not be ideal heading into the new season
Belgian football expert Peter Vandenbempt has told KRC Genk that it would be a terrible idea to hold on to the duo of Super Eagles strikers Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers during the 2022-23 campaign.
Onuachu and Dessers found themselves in a delicate situation at Genk, following Onuachu's failed move away from the former Belgian Jupiler League champions last year.
Having been brought in as Onuachu's replacement, Dessers was allowed to spend last term on loan at Eredivisie club Feyenoord.
But the former Heracles Almelo forward returns to Genk with a different profile – as the top scorer in the maiden edition of the Europa Conference League.
Despite interests from abroad, Onuachu is still at Genk, and with Dessers' return, the two Nigerian forwards will likely compete for starting roles.
Football pundit Peter Vandenbempt believes both strikers cannot play together and, at the same time, one cannot be benched for the other.
Vandenbempt has therefore urged Genk to sanction the sale of one of the two big men.
“I don't think it's a good idea to have Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers together,” the 55-year-old told Sporza.
“Basically, you don't set them both up, and you don't want to put either one on the bench.
“Cyriel Dessers was there two years ago but now has a different status. And despite Onuachu's lesser season, he still scored his goals. It would be good if someone leaves.”
Onuachu and Dessers' transfer prospects
Onuachu is recovering from injury, while Dessers started and scored in Genk's 3-2 defeat to champions Club Brugge on matchday one of the Belgian league campaign.
English Premier League side West Ham United, often linked to a move for Onuachu, appears to have their attention on another striking target.
The Hammers are reportedly close to sealing a deal for Sassuolo forward Gianluca Scamacca.
The 23-year-old Italian is presently in London to sign the dotted lines for a long-term deal.
Unlike Onuachu, Dessers have attracted concrete interest from foreign clubs, with newly promoted Serie A side Cremonese recently making an offer for the Belgian-born Nigerian.
However, Genk reportedly rejected the bid for being below their expectations.
