Genk winger Joseph Paintsil is playing down reports that he could be on his way to the Championship as part of a swap deal with Southampton striker Paul Onuachu.
After Genk missed out on the Jupiler League title by one point last season – Royal Antwerp claiming the crown for the first time since 1957 – their shock defeat by Servette in the Champions League qualifiers was further confirmation of a problem that is starting to lead to plenty of hand-wringing.
Since Paul Onuachu’s £18 million move to Southampton during the January transfer window, Genk have lacked a prolific ‘number nine’.
So, with the towering Nigerian seemingly facing an uncertain future at St Mary’s already, it should come as no surprise that Genk appear willing to welcome Onuachu back with open arms. The 2021 Belgian Footballer of the Year did, after all, score 85 goals in just three-and-a-half seasons with the Blue and Whites.
Southampton linked with £
“Paul is a player we follow,” Genk chief Dimitri De Conde tells Het Nieuwsblad.
“It is not easy. It is a very expensive deal. So we, as a club, have to be sure that we are making the right choice.”
Sky Sports reported this week that Southampton are mulling over a potential £8 million deal for Onuachu’s former team-mate Joseph Paintsil, with conversation inevitably turning to the prospect of a swap deal.
As far as Paintsil is concerned, however, Thursday’s Europa League qualifier against Olympiakos will not be his final outing in Genk colours.
“Will tomorrow be my last match for Genk? No, certainly not!” a defiant Paintsil explains, via Het Laaste Nieuws. “I speak the absolute truth. I am focused on Genk and this match.
“I like being here and I have another three years under contract here.”
A ‘devastating’ right-winger, Paintsil scored 18 goals and set up 14 more during an outstanding campaign at Genk in 2022/23; taking on the role of talisman following Onuachu’s exit.
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