News

“Onuachu’s departure to Southampton affected us”- Genk star

Onuachu was consistently churning out the results for Genk before his departure to Southampton, and the club has struggled to replace him

Ghanaian Genk playmaker Joseph Paintsil has admitted that Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu could have helped the club seal the Jupiler League title if he did not leave for Southampton, Soccernet.ng reports.

Onuachu was one of the best players in the Jupiler League before his move to Premier League side Southampton in January this year.

The Nigerian striker scored 85 goals in 134 appearances for the Limburgers across a four-year stay.

Onuachu started the season on fire with Genk, scoring 16 goals in 19 games. His efforts helped push the Limburgers to the summit of the Belgian top flight, but they could not keep the momentum after he left the club.

They started dropping points, allowing Royale Union SG to catch up with them. Still, they qualified for the Belgian league playoffs.

Paintsil, who has been in great form for Genk this season is happy with what the club has achieved this season, but he believes Onuachu would have made things easier.

 

“We are not going to let Club Brugge become,” Joseph Paintsil told Het Nieuwsblad per Ghana Football.

“If Onuachu were still here, we might have had a ten-point lead, and the playoffs wouldn’t have to be played.

“Club Brugge is always to be feared in the playoffs, but we believe that we will become champions. The disappointment would be great if we do not win, but I am convinced that I will not be disappointed.

 

Genk top the Championship playoff group after a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in their opening game. Meanwhile, Onuachu has had a difficult start to life since he moved to the Premier League. Southampton look set to drop down to the Championship except a miracle happens. Onuachu would hope that things work out and he is in a better place next season.

This post was last modified on May 2, 2023 5:30 pm

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Euro Leagues update: Rasheedat Ajibade shines for Atletico Madrid, Lookman’s insufficient for Atalanta

Super Falcons star Rasheedat Ajibade scored for Atletico Madrid in their 1-1 draw against Levante… Read More

22 minutes ago

Serie A giants Juventus join race for Super Eagles star with two goals for Nigeria

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the Super Eagles midfielder dazzling in Serie A with Lazio, has become a… Read More

13 hours ago

Samuel Chukwueze: Super Eagles star set to return to training at AC Milan after hamstring injury

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is set to return to training at AC Milan next… Read More

14 hours ago

AFCON 2025: Nigeria’s Osimhen, Gabon’s Aubameyang make bold predictions for MVP award

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen and Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have shared their predictions for the… Read More

15 hours ago

Nottingham Forest head coach denies Awoniyi exit talks, backs Super Eagles striker to hit top form

Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has shunned exit talks concerning Super Eagles striker,… Read More

16 hours ago

Ex-Arsenal star Kelechi Nwakali hits big achievement in England

Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has won the award for Barnsley's Goal of The Month… Read More

16 hours ago