KRC Genk have completed the signing of teenage goalkeeper Émile Doucouré from Beerschot, securing the Belgian-Malian prospect on a long-term deal that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2030.
The 18-year-old has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract and will immediately be integrated into Genk’s senior setup for daily training.
As part of a carefully managed development plan, however, his first competitive appearances will come with Jong Genk, the club’s reserve side competing in the Challenger Pro League, Belgium’s second tier.
Genk’s move for Doucouré underlines the club’s continued commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent, particularly players with long-term potential.
The goalkeeper is regarded as one of the most promising profiles of his age in Belgian football, despite his relatively recent transition to the position.
Doucouré’s pathway to this point has been unconventional.
He began his football education at KV Mechelen as an outfield player before moving to Beerschot, where coaches identified his physical attributes and positional awareness as suitable for a switch to goalkeeping.
That decision proved decisive in reshaping his career.
Following his conversion, Doucouré progressed steadily through Beerschot’s ranks and earned his first taste of top-flight football during the 2024–25 Jupiler Pro League season.
His debut at that level, achieved at a young age and after only a short period as a goalkeeper, attracted attention across the league and ultimately convinced Genk to act.
At Genk, Doucouré will be exposed to an environment known for developing young players and preparing them for the highest level of European football.
While immediate first-team appearances are not expected, regular training with the senior squad is designed to accelerate his learning curve, particularly in terms of decision-making, positioning and game management.
The club believes that combining this daily exposure with consistent match experience at Jong Genk will provide the balance required for sustainable progress.
Playing in the Challenger Pro League is expected to test the goalkeeper physically and mentally, while allowing him to adapt gradually to the demands of professional football.
For Doucouré, the move represents a significant step forward in a career that is still at an early stage.
With a long-term contract in place, both player and club now have the stability to focus on development rather than short-term results, as Genk looks to shape a goalkeeper for the future.
KRC Genk verwelkomt Emile Doucouré als nieuwe doelman. De 18-jarige keeper maakt de overstap van Beerschot en tekent een contract van 4,5 seizoenen tot de zomer van 2030. Hij sluit aan bij de A-kern waar hij op dagelijkse basis zal trainen. Wedstrijden zal hij in eerste instantie… pic.twitter.com/OPraP1ZQu3
— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) February 2, 2026
