“Selling Onuachu could cost Genk”

Onuachu was the major lynchpin for Genk before he left the club, and they could struggle to replace him

Former Belgian striker Marc Degryse has warned that Genk may struggle in the absence of Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu.

Onuachu has been the major lynchpin for Genk in the last three seasons. He was the highest goalscorer in the Jupiler League season two years ago.

Last season, the big Nigerian striker scored 21 goals. And this season, he bagged 19 league goals, helping the Smurfs maintain first place in the Jupler League before leaving for Southampton in January.

In total, Onuachu scored 85 goals before his switch to the Premier League.

Since the Super Eagles striker left for Southampton, Genk have picked up four points from a possible nine. And they suffered a 1-0 loss to Antwerp just last weekend, their first league loss since December.

Genk signed Samatta last summer and Tolu Arokodare in January. Still, Degryse, who had 63 caps for the Red Devils is aware of Onuachu’s importance to Genk, and he feels they could struggle to maintain their spot at the top of the table.

“As far as Genk is concerned, Onuachu’s departure can still cause doubts,” Degryse said per Voetbal Primeur.

“Vrancken(Genk coach) won’t say that, but you shouldn’t be blind to that. They should have earned at least a point against Antwerp on Sunday or even won.”

“After Eupen, Gent, and this match, they get four out of nine points.

“At the moment you have to make the comparison with Samatta in the front because he is a basic player. He will not become Onuachu,” Degryse added.

Genk have a six-point advantage at the top of the league. However, if they slip, Royale Union SG could pounce with nine games left.