Rafiu Durosinmi signs for Genk: Breakdown of ₦16.6bn deal for Super Eagles striker

Super Eagles hopeful Rafiu Durosinmi is set to become the most expensive signing in Genk’s history after the Belgian club reached an agreement with Pisa for the Nigerian striker, Afrik Foot reports.

According to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Genk have agreed to pay a fixed fee of €10.5 million (approximately ₦16.6 billion), with additional bonuses included in the package. Pisa will also retain a 10% sell-on clause, ensuring they benefit from any future transfer involving the 23-year-old.

The deal represents another remarkable chapter in Durosinmi’s career, especially considering the Nigerian only joined Pisa six months ago.

Rafiu Durosinmi. Copyright: ImagoxToyinxOshodix

How much are Genk paying for Durosinmi?

The agreement consists of three key components:

• Guaranteed transfer fee: €10.5 million (₦16.6 billion)
• Performance-related bonuses: Yet to be disclosed
• 10% future sell-on clause for Pisa

Once bonuses are included, the final package could rise even higher, underlining Genk’s belief in the Nigerian striker’s long-term potential.

The transfer also eclipses Genk’s previous transfer record, which stood at €7 million following the signing of Theo Bongonda from Celta Vigo in 2019.

Why are Pisa selling after only six months?

The Serie A club signed Durosinmi from Viktoria Plzeň during the January transfer window for a fee believed to be around €9m.

Nigeria and Pisa star Rafiu Durosinmi. Copyright: xGabrielexMasotti/IMAGO

However, several factors have influenced their decision. Pisa suffered relegation last season, significantly altering their financial and sporting priorities.

The Nigerian also struggled to replicate his Czech Republic form in Italy, scoring just once in 12 competitive appearances.

While Pisa still believe in his long-term potential, the opportunity to recover most of their initial investment while retaining a future percentage proved too attractive to ignore.

Why Genk remain are keen on Rafiu Durosinmi

Despite his difficult spell in Italy, Genk are viewing this transfer as a long-term investment rather than a short-term solution.

The Belgian club have developed an impressive reputation for nurturing Nigerian forwards.

Paul Onuachu arrived in Belgium and became one of Europe’s deadliest strikers before earning a Premier League move.

More recently, Tolu Arokodare used Genk as a platform to re-establish himself and eventually secure a transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers, after winning the Golden Boot in the Belgian Pro League.

Paul Onuachu in action for Genk. Photo by IMAGO

Genk believe Durosinmi can follow a similar trajectory. At 1.92 metres tall, the Nigerian possesses the physical traits the club traditionally values in centre-forwards, as was seen with Paul Onuachu and Arokodare.

What this means for Durosinmi’s Super Eagles ambitions

A move to Belgium could also significantly improve Durosinmi’s chances of earning a regular place in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad.

Competition for Nigeria’s striking positions remains fierce, with Victor Osimhen, Onuachu, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams all competing for opportunities.

Regular football and goals in Belgium would immediately place Durosinmi back in the conversation.

The Belgian Pro League is highly respected within Nigerian football circles, particularly given the success stories of Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen and Raphael Onyedika.

For that reason, Genk could provide the perfect environment for the striker to revive both his club career and international ambitions.

Rafiu Durosinmi for Pisa. Copyright: IMAGOxIPAxSport/ABACAx

A huge gamble for Genk

While the transfer carries risk given Durosinmi’s underwhelming six-month spell at Pisa, Genk clearly believe they are signing a player whose best years remain ahead of him.

Should he rediscover the form he displayed at Viktoria Plzen, the Nigerian could quickly become one of the Belgian league’s standout forwards.

And with Pisa retaining a 10% future sell-on clause, the Italian club are also betting that Durosinmi’s value will eventually rise significantly.

For now, however, all eyes are on Belgium, where the 23-year-old appears set to begin another crucial chapter in his career.