‘Durosinmi will leave KRC Genk’ – Super Eagles star’s fast start draws exit warning

Rafiu Durosinmi needed only four Belgian Pro League games to turn KRC Genk’s record transfer into a very early success story, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria striker has scored in every league game since joining the Belgian club from Pisa in July.

His latest goal came on Friday night, when Durosinmi scored a ninth-minute penalty in Genk’s 4-0 win over SK Beveren at the Cegeka Arena. The goal took his league total to four in four matches. Genk also moved to seven points from four games and climbed to fourth place.

The run started on August 9 at Zulte Waregem. Durosinmi headed in Junya Ito’s cross in the 39th minute, but Genk lost 2-1 after two late goals. He scored again against Westerlo six days later, converting a 41st-minute penalty in a 3-2 comeback win.

He then struck at Royal Antwerp on August 22 in a wild 4-4 draw. Genk led 4-1 before Antwerp fought back late. Durosinmi completed his four-game scoring run against Beveren, again from the penalty spot, before leaving the game in the 72nd minute.

That start has already changed the way people view Genk’s reported €10.5 million investment. Former Belgian striker Patrick Goots believes the Nigerian’s value has risen by several million euros in only a few weeks. He also thinks the striker’s qualities could attract clubs outside Belgium.

Why Durosinmi is attracting attention

“Rafiu Durosinmi is the kind of player who puts pressure on a defense,” Goots told Het Belang van Limburg, according to VoetbalFocus.

That description fits the role Genk wanted when it signed the 23-year-old. The club gave Durosinmi a contract until June 2030 and described him as a complete No. 9 who can use his strength, hold the ball and bring teammates into play. Genk also pointed to his record of 35 goals and 10 assists in 86 games for Viktoria Plzeň.

“Due to his smooth start, his transfer value will have already gone up by several million,” Goots said.

“Everyone wants a player like that. That type of player is highly sought after: a target man who can hold up the ball and provide calmness.”

Genk will hope the scoring run continues long enough to push the club towards the top of the Belgian table. Durosinmi has also set his own target. He said he wants to finish high in the scoring chart and compete for the league’s Golden Boot.

The bigger question may come later. Genk signed Durosinmi on a four-year deal, but his early form has already created talk of a major sale. Goots believes a full season at this level could make that outcome difficult to avoid.

“If he continues to storm through the Belgian league at this pace, you can be almost certain that he will leave KRC Genk at the end of the season,” Goots said.

The toughest test yet for Durosinmi and Genk, who sit fourth in the Belgian Pro League, will come next as they make the trip to face Anderlecht on Sunday (September 6).