Noah Adedeji-Sternberg speaks out after Ajax and Club Bruges transfer saga

Noah Adedeji-Sternberg has described the difficult summer that saw him linked with Ajax and reportedly agree personal terms with Club Bruges, while being left out of the KRC Genk squad and criticised by supporters.

The 21-year-old Belgian winger of Nigerian origin was regarded as a possible successor to Mika Godts at Ajax. Towards the end of June, reports emerged that Club Bruges wanted to sign him from Genk, sparking controversy in Belgium.

Club Bruges were reported to have reached an agreement with the player without Genk’s knowledge. The Limburg club subsequently rejected an offer worth about six million euros and were said to be demanding more than 10 million euros.

The proposed move never happened, but the transfer speculation still affected Adedeji-Sternberg’s season. He was omitted from the Genk team for a period and faced hostility from the club’s supporters.

“The supporters booed me and I can understand them, but the whole situation exhausted me,” he told RTBF.

“I just wanted to play, but I did not get the chance. I could not express myself with the ball and I could not respond on the pitch. So I completely understand what the supporters thought of me.”

Adedeji-Sternberg said he has now moved beyond the episode and is concentrating on his future with Genk.

“I could have left for Club Bruges, but I had other options. However, the media only talked about Club Bruges, and I do not know why,” he said.

“But it no longer interests me; I am living in the present.”

“The only thing I am thinking about now is giving everything for the magnificent club that is Genk.”