K.R.C. Genk is on the verge of another lucrative transfer deal. Belgian-Congolese defender Josué Kongolo is attracting interest from Bundesliga clubs, putting the club in a strong negotiating position.
The Limburg-based side has already reinforced its reputation as a profitable academy club this season. The club received €74 million from outgoing transfers this summer, including the sales of Yira Sor, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Kos Karetsas and Lucca Brughmans. The latter two set a new club record.
Josué Kongolo is a 20-year-old central defender who has been at Genk since 2015. He is under contract until mid-2028, giving Genk time to secure the maximum fee. Previously, players like Mike Penders, Bilal El Khannouss and Tolu Arokodare each brought in at least €20 million.
The current sporting context is less positive. Genk sits tenth in the Jupiler Pro League with nine points from seven games, a result of their recent form with just one win in their last five league matches. The team lost 3-0 to Club Brugge last weekend, managing their first shot on target only in the 82nd minute. Top scorer Rafiu Durosinmi, with five goals this season, is a bright spot. The full standings and stats are available online.
The club has a proven track record of selling talent for profit. Leon Bailey, Maarten Vandevoordt and Matte Smets, who moved to Wolfsburg for €19 million, are previous examples. Alongside Kongolo, Rafiu Durosinmi and Smets are also seen as future high-value sales. The immediate focus is now on the next league match against Kortrijk on October 10th, which you can preview on our fixtures page.
This story first appeared at VoetbalBelgie
