Christopher Bonsu Baah has admitted that he turned down moves to Premier League duo Everton and Brighton and Hove Albion in order to follow in Kevin de Bruyne’s footsteps at KRC Genk.
Two months ago, the 18-year-old winger became the most expensive export in the history of Norwegian outfit Sarpsborg 08. Belgian giants Genk agreed a deal rising to £6 million.
Quite the deal from Sarpsborg’s perspective, given that they only brought Baah to Europe in the spring.
Baah, meanwhile, informs Het Nieuwsblad that Genk were far from the only club to make their interest known. But the chance to follow in the footsteps of Kevin de Bruyne – arguably the finest attacking midfielder of his generation started his career at Genk before becoming a superstar at Manchester City – was one Baah was not willing to pass up.
Kevin de Bruyne to blame for Everton snub
“Brighton, Feyenoord, Everton. Even Club Brugge,” the teenager says, listing off the clubs who came knocking before he put pen to paper in Belgium. “But I only wanted Genk.
“I’ve been a fan of Genk since I was a kid. I had two idols when I was young; Lionel Messi and Kevin De Bruyne. (De Bruyne is) unique.
“I used to play with KRC Genk on FIFA! I know a lot of players from the last few years.”
With Baah now wearing blue-and-black, he need not resort to his PlayStation these days. The diminutive forward has already made four appearances for his new club, a full debut coming in the 1-0 Jupiler League defeat to KAS Eupen recently.
Meanwhile, another Ghanaian attacker who burst onto the scene in Scandinavia could make a move of his own before the window closes in a fortnight.
West Ham United, per Fabrizio Romano, are in talks to sign Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus should Lucas Paqueta leave for Manchester City.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
