“He’s very expensive” – Genk’s director weighs prospects of move for free-scoring Super Eagles star

The Nigeria international left an incredible scoring record in Belgium, where he was the number-one goal poacher for the best part of the last four years

KRC Genk's sporting director, Dimitri de Condé, has revealed the club's keen interest in securing the return of Paul Onuachu, Soccernet.ng reports.

However, De Condé's acknowledgment comes with a dose of realism, as he admits that the Nigerian striker's price tag could prove too steep for the club to afford during this summer transfer window.

Onuachu's departure from Genk earlier this year for Southampton left a noticeable void in the team's composition.

The Belgian side's fortunes took a downturn since his exit, as they narrowly missed out on clinching the league title in last season, despite having maintained a dominant position for a substantial period.

The current campaign has not started positively either, with Genk suffering a double blow in a Champions League exit at the hands of Servette and a subsequent home defeat against AS Eupen in the Pro League.

Amidst these challenges, Genk's resolve is being tested further as they prepare to face Olympiakos in the third preliminary round of the Europa League on Thursday.

A victory is imperative for the club to rebound from recent setbacks and avoid sliding further into a potential crisis.

While the club bolstered its ranks with acquisitions like Fadera, Bonsu Baah, Van Crombrugge, and Kayembe, evident gaps in the team's core, particularly in the striker position, are palpable.

After Ally Samatta's departure, Tolu Arokodare remains the sole viable option for trainer Wouter Vrancken.

The notion of a possible return of Paul Onuachu has gained traction in recent weeks as murmurs of a reunion reverberate.

As reported by Het Belang van Limburg as per Voetbal Nieuws, De Condé has left the door ajar for Onuachu's potential return, albeit with a clear acknowledgment of the financial challenges associated with the move.

“Paul (Onuachu) is a player that we follow, but also not the only one. We should not be naive about it. That is not easy, but he is very expensive,” De Condé.

“So as a club, we have to see that we make the right choice. The annoying thing is that the transfer mercato just takes way too long. Clubs in England are not active yet either; they prefer to wait until the end of August.”

Onuachu made his season debut for Southampton on Tuesday night, coming in as a second-half substitute in their 3-1 defeat to Gillingham in the English League Cup.