SUPER Eagles striker Rafiu Durosinmi is on the verge of becoming Genk’s most expensive signing after the Belgian club agreed a €10.5 million (about N16.6 billion) deal with Pisa for the Nigerian forward, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
News Point Nigeria Sport gathered that, according to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the agreement includes performance-related bonuses, while Pisa will retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause in any future transfer involving the player.
The proposed move would surpass Genk’s previous transfer record of €7 million, which the Belgian side paid Spanish club Celta Vigo for Theo Bongonda in 2019.
Durosinmi, 23, only joined Pisa from Czech club Viktoria Plzen in January in a deal believed to be worth around €9 million.
However, the Nigerian striker struggled to make a significant impact in Italy, scoring just once in 12 competitive appearances for the club.
Pisa’s relegation from Serie A has also influenced the decision to sanction the transfer, with the Italian club now set to recover most of their investment while maintaining a financial stake in the player’s future through the sell-on clause.
Genk, on their part, are banking on Durosinmi rediscovering the form that established him as one of the most highly rated strikers in the Czech Republic.
The Belgian side have enjoyed considerable success with Nigerian forwards in recent years. Paul Onuachu developed into one of the most prolific strikers in the Belgian league before securing a move to the Premier League.
Similarly, Tolu Arokodare revived his career at Genk, winning the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot before completing a transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Standing at 1.92 metres, Durosinmi fits the profile of the physically imposing centre-forward that Genk have traditionally nurtured, and the club believes he can follow the successful path carved out by his compatriots.
The transfer could also provide a major boost to Durosinmi’s Super Eagles ambitions.
With Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams all competing for places in Eric Chelle’s attack, regular playing time and goals in Belgium could propel the 23-year-old back into contention for a place in Nigeria’s national team.
