Newcastle United is making headlines again as the Magpies set their sights on a fresh striking talent—Toluwalase Arokodare, the powerful Nigerian forward currently lighting up the Belgian Pro League with KRC Genk. With 20 goals and 5 assists in 38 games, the 24-year-old has put himself firmly on the radar of several European clubs, and Newcastle looks keen to act first.
But what’s behind this sudden interest? Why Arokodare, and why now? Let’s dive into the details.
Who is Toluwalase Arokodare?
Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare, often known as “Tolu Arokodare,” is a 24-year-old Nigerian striker currently playing for KRC Genk in Belgium. Standing at a towering 1.97 meters, he’s not just tall—he’s also technically sound, strong, and tactically intelligent.
He’s had stints in Germany and Latvia before truly hitting his stride in Belgium. Now, he’s caught the attention of Premier League scouts.
Arokodare’s 2024/25 Season Stats
Stats never lie, right? Here’s how Arokodare is performing this season:
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Games Played: 38
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Goals Scored: 20
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Assists Provided: 5
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Minutes Played: 2,850+
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Shots on Target per Game: 2.1
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Pass Completion Rate: 76%
These numbers show he’s not just a finisher but also a team player. He creates, he scores, and he leads the line with maturity.
Why Newcastle is Interested
Newcastle has struggled with consistent goal-scoring from their frontmen this season. With Callum Wilson facing injuries and Alexander Isak being inconsistent, there’s a void to be filled.
Enter Arokodare—a fresh, physical forward who has the potential to shake up Premier League defences.
Eddie Howe’s Role in the Pursuit
Manager Eddie Howe has reportedly pushed hard to make this move happen. According to multiple sources, including Africafoot, Howe is a big admirer of Arokodare’s profile and has personally recommended the Nigerian to Newcastle’s board.
When your manager believes in you this early, that’s a huge vote of confidence.
Genk’s Asking Price
Genk has made their intentions clear—they won’t let their star striker go cheaply. A €17 million price tag has been slapped on Arokodare, and with his contract running till June 2027, they hold all the cards.
But for a Premier League club like Newcastle, this could be a calculated bargain.
Arokodare’s Style of Play
He’s often described as a “modern target man.” Think of a striker who can:
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Hold up play
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Link up with midfielders
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Score with both feet and head
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Drag defenders out of position
Imagine having a mix of Olivier Giroud’s strength with Victor Osimhen’s instincts—that’s the Arokodare flavor.
What He Brings to Newcastle
Arokodare’s arrival would bring:
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Physical dominance in the box
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Aerial threat during set-pieces
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Depth in attack
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Pressure relief for existing strikers
His versatility also means he could pair up with Isak or even lead the line alone.
How He Fits in Newcastle’s Squad
Let’s be real—Premier League football is tough. But Arokodare’s frame and skill set suit English football perfectly.
He could slot into Newcastle’s 4-3-3 as the central striker or even play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, leading the attack while allowing midfielders like Bruno Guimarães and Joe Willock to run the show behind him.
Challenges in Securing the Deal
Transfers aren’t just about interest. There are hurdles like:
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Work permit issues
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Competition from other European clubs
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Contract length with Genk
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Newcastle’s budget priorities
The club must move quickly and decisively if they want to beat the competition.
Competition from Other Clubs?
Yes, Arokodare’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Clubs from Germany, France, and Italy have all made discreet inquiries. If Newcastle delays, they might lose out.
His Journey to the Top
From Lagos, Nigeria to Genk, Belgium, Arokodare’s journey is a classic underdog story. Rejected by Anderlecht, he took his time to develop and mature—and now he’s proving everyone wrong.
International Experience with Nigeria
He recently debuted for the Super Eagles against Rwanda, signaling his entry onto the international stage. For Nigerian fans, this is a huge moment—seeing another promising forward take his place on the global stage.
The €17 Million Price Tag: Worth It?
Considering current market trends and his potential, €17 million for a striker of Arokodare’s calibre is actually a smart investment.
Newcastle paid around €70 million for Isak. At less than a third of that, Arokodare offers a lot of value.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Magpies fans are buzzing. Some see Arokodare as the perfect rotation player, while others believe he could evolve into a Premier League starter.
On fan forums, comparisons with Tammy Abraham and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have already started popping up.
Final Thoughts: Arokodare and the Future of Newcastle’s Attack
Newcastle’s interest in Toluwalase Arokodare is more than just a transfer rumor—it’s a statement of intent. They’re not just building for now, they’re building for the future.
With his blend of youth, physicality, and raw talent, Arokodare could very well be the next big thing to shine in the black and white.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Toluwalase Arokodare?
He is a 24-year-old Nigerian striker currently playing for KRC Genk in Belgium. He has scored 20 goals and provided 5 assists in the 2024/25 season.
2. How much is Genk asking for Arokodare?
Genk is demanding €17 million to release Arokodare, who has a contract until June 2027.
3. What makes Arokodare a good fit for Newcastle United?
His physicality, aerial ability, and versatility make him ideal for Newcastle’s playing style under Eddie Howe.
4. Has Arokodare played for Nigeria?
Yes, he recently made his debut for the Nigerian national team in a match against Rwanda.
5. Are other clubs interested in Arokodare?
Yes, several European clubs from Germany, France, and Italy are reportedly monitoring his progress closely.
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