Tolu Arokodare has dismissed suggestions that he turned down a move to Anderlecht, insisting that he was never the Belgian side’s top priority during the transfer window.
The Super Eagles striker, who is currently enjoying a prolific season at Genk, addressed the rumours in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, as reported by Voetbal Belgie.
Arokodare made it clear that while Anderlecht expressed interest, the nature of their approach showed he was not central to their plans.
“I was certainly not Anderlecht’s first choice. They would have let me go if a higher-ranked striker had taken the bait,” he stated.
The Nigerian international’s comments appear to respond to recent reports suggesting he had personally dismissed overtures from Anderlecht on two separate occasions.
Rather than rejecting the Brussels-based club outright, Arokodare clarified that the situation was shaped by Anderlecht’s priorities in the market rather than any decision on his part.
His remarks have come at a time when his stock continues to rise in the Belgian Pro League.
Arokodare is currently leading the goalscoring charts with 18 goals to his name, in addition to providing five assists this season for Genk.
His form has played a crucial role in Genk’s campaign, and the forward’s contributions have been vital in keeping the club in contention for European qualification.
Anderlecht, meanwhile, have been on the lookout for attacking reinforcements after struggling to find consistency in front of goal this season.
Their failure to land Arokodare has reportedly led them to consider alternative targets in the summer transfer market.
Despite the backdrop of transfer speculation, Arokodare has remained focused on his role at Genk.
The 23-year-old has not only delivered on the pitch but also reinforced his commitment to the club, where he appears to be flourishing under the current system.
As the season progresses and with the transfer window approaching, attention is likely to remain on Arokodare.
His current form and clear-headed response to speculation have only added to his reputation as one of the league’s most effective strikers.
For now, Arokodare is letting his performances do the talking, and with his eye firmly on the goal, he continues to be a pivotal figure in Genk’s attacking lineup.
