“Onuachu’s departure to Southampton affected us”- Genk star

Onuachu was consistently churning out the results for Genk before his departure to Southampton, and the club has struggled to replace him

Ghanaian Genk playmaker Joseph Paintsil has admitted that Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu could have helped the club seal the Jupiler League title if he did not leave for Southampton, Soccernet.ng reports.

Onuachu was one of the best players in the Jupiler League before his move to Premier League side Southampton in January this year.

The Nigerian striker scored 85 goals in 134 appearances for the Limburgers across a four-year stay.

Onuachu started the season on fire with Genk, scoring 16 goals in 19 games. His efforts helped push the Limburgers to the summit of the Belgian top flight, but they could not keep the momentum after he left the club.

They started dropping points, allowing Royale Union SG to catch up with them. Still, they qualified for the Belgian league playoffs.

Paintsil, who has been in great form for Genk this season is happy with what the club has achieved this season, but he believes Onuachu would have made things easier.

“We are not going to let Club Brugge become,” Joseph Paintsil told Het Nieuwsblad per Ghana Football.

“If Onuachu were still here, we might have had a ten-point lead, and the playoffs wouldn’t have to be played.

“Club Brugge is always to be feared in the playoffs, but we believe that we will become champions. The disappointment would be great if we do not win, but I am convinced that I will not be disappointed.

Genk top the Championship playoff group after a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in their opening game. Meanwhile, Onuachu has had a difficult start to life since he moved to the Premier League. Southampton look set to drop down to the Championship except a miracle happens. Onuachu would hope that things work out and he is in a better place next season.