Super Eagles striker, Tolu Arokodare was a notable absentee from KRC Genk’s squad in their UEFA Europa League qualification second-leg clash against Polish side Lech Poznań.
Genk suffered a 2-1 defeat at the Cegeka Arena on Thursday night but advanced to the next round courtesy of their dominant 5-1 victory in the first leg.
Arokodare’s absence comes amid growing transfer speculation linking him with a move to Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Reports suggest the English club are leading the race for his signature, with personal terms already agreed and negotiations between both clubs ongoing.
The Nigerian striker was left out of the squad, with indications pointing to his potential switch to England as the reason behind his omission.
Arokodare, who began his professional career in Latvia with Valmiera FC in 2019, steadily made a name for himself.
His breakthrough season earned him a loan move to German Bundesliga outfit 1. FC Köln in 2020.
In 2021, he joined French Ligue 2 side Amiens SC, continuing his development before securing a switch to Belgium with KRC Genk in January 2023.
Since then, he has grown into one of the league’s most prolific forwards. The 2024/25 season was his most outstanding yet, as he finished joint-top scorer in the Belgian Pro League with 21 goals, alongside RSC Anderlecht forward Adriano Bertaccini.
His performances were further recognized with the prestigious Ebony Shoe award, handed annually to the best African or African-descent player in Belgium.
His form with the Belgian club also earned him his first national team call-up from Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.
A potential move to Wolverhampton Wanderers would mark his first venture into what is widely regarded as the most competitive league in the world.
