Genk coach reveals exactly why West Ham-linked striker Onuachu was omitted from squad vs KVO

Published: July 30, 2021

Racing Genk manager John van den Brom has revealed the real reason Paul Onuachu was omitted from the matchday squad in his side's shock 4-3 loss to KV Oostende on Friday night, amid speculation at home and abroad that the striker in on the brink of a transfer to a foreign club.

In Onuachu's absence, Super Eagles teammate Cyriel Dessers was asked to lead the attack and the former Heracles Almelo man provided the assist for Genk's second goal scored by Theo Bongonda.

In truth, Onuachu has been a shadow of himself since the start of the 2021-2022 campaign, firing blanks against Club Brugge in the Super Cup and Standard Liege in the league opener.

Coach John van den Brom has revealed that his top scorer last season indicated that he wasn't in the right frame of mind to face KV Oostende.

Onuachu looked primed to take the next leap in his career after a banner 2020-2021 campaign that saw him score a remarkable 37 goals for club and country but his suitors, including West Ham United, have been put off by his €30million asking price.

Explaining the absence of Onuachu, John van den Brom was quoted as saying by Het Nieuwsblad : "I've been keeping an eye on Paul this week and talking to him a lot.

"You should always be honest with each other. I thought he wasn't ready and he agreed. You are dealing with a team and we all need focus.

"I had a feeling that wasn't the case with him. Hopefully we can get him ready to play by Tuesday. We shouldn't make a drama out of this either.

"It is handy that with Cyriel I have another very good option."

Racing Genk are next in action against Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League on August 3.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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