Fenerbahçe enter race to sign Arokodare
Fenerbahçe enter race to sign Arokodare
Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahçe have joined the growing list of clubs interested in in-form Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, following his impressive season with Belgian side Genk.
According to Fenerbahçe transfer watcher Eternal, the Istanbul-based club have reportedly included Arokodare in their shortlist of attacking targets for the summer window.
“Fenerbahçe have added Tolu Arokodare to their list,” Eternal revealed on social media platform X, adding that the player’s current contract with Genk runs until 2027.
Fenerbahçe’s interest in Arokodare comes amid an ambitious summer recruitment drive.
The Turkish side have also been strongly linked with Senegalese star Sadio Mané, currently with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Turkish outlet Takvim reported on Thursday that Fenerbahçe are preparing to open official talks for the 33-year-old former Liverpool forward, who still has a contract with Al-Nassr until June 2026.
Arokodare’s potential exit comes after a breakout 2024/25 campaign in which the 24-year-old emerged as the Belgian Pro League’s top scorer, netting 21 goals and providing six assists in 40 league appearances. In total, he registered 23 goals and seven assists across all competitions.
His prolific form was rewarded last week with a place in the official Belgian Pro League Team of the Season, a Best XI compiled using Opta data and player votes.
He was also the recipient of the prestigious Ebony Shoe Award, presented annually to the best African player in the Belgian top flight.
Genk signed Arokodare from French Ligue 2 side Amiens for €5m on transfer deadline day in January 2023. Now valued at €18m by Transfermarkt, his stock has risen sharply after two standout seasons in Belgium.
The Nigerian international further boosted his profile earlier this year by scoring his first senior goal for the Super Eagles during a 1-1 draw against Russia in an international friendly.
Despite speculation linking him with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Arokodare has remained grounded about his future. Speaking to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, the striker admitted a desire to play in either England or Germany.
“The future isn’t written yet,” he said.
“But like many players, it’s a dream of mine to play in the Premier League one day. If the opportunity comes, I have to make sure I’m ready. You don’t know how many times a train will pass, so I don’t want to miss any opportunities.”
Responding to speculation about possibly serving as Harry Kane’s back-up at Bayern Munich, Arokodare said, “Being a stand-in for Harry Kane? That would be nice, wouldn’t it? But for now, it’s just rumours — I haven’t had any contact.”
