Racing Genk Signs Rafiu Durosinmi in Record €10.5M Transfer

KRC Genk has officially announced the signing of Nigerian international striker Rafiu Durosinmi from Italian side Pisa SC for a club-record fee of €10.5 million. The 23-year-old centre-forward has signed a four-year contract through June 2030, becoming the most expensive incoming transfer in the Belgian club’s history.

A New Club Record

The €10.5 million fee surpasses Genk’s previous record of €7 million paid for Théo Bongonda in 2019. With bonuses, the deal could rise to €11 million, according to the official club announcement. Pisa SC, which signed Durosinmi from Viktoria Plzeň for €9 million just six months ago, also negotiated a 10% sell-on clause as part of the agreement.

Durosinmi is the second summer signing for Genk, following the arrival of Jeppe Erenbjerg from Zulte Waregem. The Limburg-based club is undergoing a significant rebuild under new head coach Jess Thorup after finishing outside the top six of the Belgian Pro League last season.

Player Profile: A Proven Goalscorer

Standing at 1.93 meters (6’4”), Durosinmi is a classic number nine known for his physical presence, technical ability, and eye for goal. He made his name at Czech side Viktoria Plzeň, where he scored 35 goals and provided 10 assists in 86 appearances across all competitions, including four goals in 10 Europa League matches.

According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Durosinmi has amassed 150 professional appearances in his career, scoring 54 goals and providing 17 assists. His move to Pisa in January 2026 proved challenging, however, as he managed only one goal in 12 appearances and the club was relegated from Serie A to Serie B at the end of the season.

Quotes from the Club and Player

Dimitri de Condé, Genk’s Head of Football, expressed confidence in the signing: “Rafiu is a striker whose qualities fit perfectly with the way KRC Genk want to play. He’s a real presence in the penalty area, but he’s also technically strong and links up well with his teammates. He’s a classic number nine who can hold the ball up and bring others into play. We were looking for a profile that could make an immediate impact and help us compete at the top again. Rafiu ticks all those boxes.”

Durosinmi himself said: “I want to be important for the team from day one, score goals and give everything in every game. I spoke with Paul [Onuachu] about the club. He told me so many great things about Genk, the supporters and the way the club works with its players. I’m proud to be a Genkie.”

Genk’s Nigerian Pipeline

The transfer continues KRC Genk’s successful tradition of developing Nigerian talent. Paul Onuachu, who played for Genk from 2019 to 2023, became the Belgian Pro League’s top scorer with 35 goals in the 2022–23 season before moving to Southampton FC for €20 million. Tolu Arokodare also represented the club between 2022 and 2024. Durosinmi, a three-time Nigerian international, explicitly cited Onuachu’s recommendation as a key factor in his decision to join Genk.

Analysis and Outlook

This record signing signals Genk’s financial commitment to returning to championship contention after a disappointing campaign. The club has appointed Jess Thorup as head coach and is actively reshaping its squad.

Durosinmi’s recent struggles in Italy raise questions about his form, but his impressive track record at Viktoria Plzeň suggests the talent remains. The Belgian Pro League may offer a more suitable environment for his physical style of play, mirroring the path taken by Onuachu before his big-money move to the Premier League.

As reported by Walfoot, the signing comes on the same day that Christos Tzolis moved from Club Brugge to Arsenal for €40 million, highlighting the Belgian league’s growing role as a development platform and selling league. Genk’s investment in Durosinmi represents both a sporting ambition and a potential future profit center.

Genk will open their season on August 9 with an away match against Zulte Waregem, where Durosinmi could make his debut for his new club.