“His departure is a great loss – De Conde mourns Super Eagles star’s move to the Premier League

The Smurfs sanctioned the sale of their most potent attacking weapon in recent years and are a little sad to see him go

KRC Genk have said their hard goodbye to Super Eagles forward, Paul Onuachu after he completed a transfer deadline day switch to Southampton.

Onuachu and Genk were united for three and a half years during which he won the Belgian Cup, the Golden and Ebony Shoes, and the title of top scorer.

And the club's Head of Football Dimitri de Condé confesses that it is difficult to see the 2.01m tall forward leave the Cegeka Arena.

“His departure is of course a great loss for our current selection,” de Condé told Genk's official website. “We shouldn't be silly about that. But we were prepared for a possible departure.”

While Genk are finding it tough to watch their goal machine move away from Belgium, the striker's new club, Southampton are delighted to welcome the Nigerian international.

In Onuachu, the Saints get a forward who scored 85 goals in 134 games for Genk and 71 goals in 181 appearances for Danish side FC Midtjylland before then.

Southampton manager Nathan Jones is aware of the qualities of Onuachu and the head coach has expressed his pleasure in welcoming the 29-year-old to St Mary's Stadium.

“Paul is a significant signing for us and completes what has been an extremely positive month in terms of recruitment,” Jones told the Saints' website.

“He’s a handful to play against, has got a tremendous record throughout his career and he’s also someone who brings great experience with him, so he’ll be a really positive addition to the squad.”

Playing in the Premier League, the most glamorous league on the planet, has always been one of the biggest dreams of Paul Onuachu.

While Onuachu is glad to be moving to England, the attacker is also emotional about leaving Genk, a club he has called home since 2019.

“I want to thank everyone who has helped me grow here,” Onuachu said in his farewell message.

“The different coaches, the technical staff and of course the supporters. I wish the club the best for the future. It is my greatest wish that they can take the title. Genk will always be my home, wherever I go.”

Onuachu will join Super Eagles teammate Joe Aribo at Southampton.