Tolu Arokodare's English Premier League dream: Why the right move matters

Tolu Arokodare's recent comments about his dream of playing in the English Premier League come as no surprise. 

After an outstanding season at Racing Genk — where he scored 22 goals in 41 appearances — the two-cap Nigeria international has positioned himself firmly on the radar of several clubs. 

Newcastle United and Fulham have reprotedly expressed serious interest, and although names like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have been floated, it appears the Bundesliga talk may be overstated.

Given his trajectory, it is understandable that Arokodare sees the Premier League as the next logical step. 

In an interview with Sports Boom, the striker said, "The future is unwritten, but like many players, it’s a dream of mine to one day play in the Premier League."

These are not empty words. For any ambitious player, the global visibility, competitiveness, and financial rewards of England’s top flight are hard to ignore.

However, while Arokodare’s Premier League aspirations are natural, a move at this stage must be handled with care.

Too often, players leave mid-tier European clubs for the bright lights of England, only to find themselves struggling for playing time or lost in the shuffle. 

Arokodare must prioritize a club where he will continue to develop, rather than one that only offers the biggest paycheck or highest profile.

Of the Premier League clubs linked, Newcastle and Fulham represent very different opportunities. 

Newcastle, now a growing force with ambitions of regular European football, might offer a thrilling project but stiff competition for minutes. 

Fulham, on the other hand, could provide a more immediate route into the starting eleven, especially if manager Marco Silva sees him as a focal point in attack.

Outside England, Benfica presents an appealing alternative. The Portuguese giants have a reputation for nurturing young talent and providing a steady platform for progression to Europe’s elite. 

Similarly, a move to Trabzonspor could offer regular football and the chance to develop without the suffocating pressure that sometimes accompanies a Premier League switch.

Arokodare’s physical attributes — standing at 6ft 6in with good movement and clinical finishing — make him well-suited for English football. 

However, the Premier League’s intensity and tactical demands require more than raw ability. It demands resilience, consistency, and rapid adaptation. 

These are challenges Arokodare must be ready for if he chooses to make the leap now.

Moreover, with a contract at Genk running until 2027, Racing Genk are under no pressure to sell cheaply. 

Any potential suitor will need to meet the Belgian side’s valuation, which could narrow his options to clubs genuinely committed to integrating him into their plans.

Arokodare's ambition to join the Premier League is both natural and deserved after his breakthrough season. Still, the Nigerian striker must choose wisely. 

A wrong move could stall his promising career, while the right environment could see him blossom into one of Africa’s next big stars in Europe.

Wale Adejumo

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