KRC Genk won without Noah Adedeji-Sternberg on Saturday against Westerlo, putting the transfer row around the winger in a particularly painful turn. The 24-year-old, who had a personal agreement with Club Brugge this summer, sat on the bench after a minor thigh injury, but the victory remains unchanged. Jess Thorup left him on the bench for 90 minutes, but the way of winning is crucial. Adedeji-Sternberg, who scored just six goals and six assists in 79 games last season, now faces competition from Yokoyama and Bibout, who made their impact felt on Saturday. The rivals complicate his situation, as Thorup no longer needs to consider his summer move to Brugge.
Rivals Make the Problem Worse
Sportively, the situation is changing quickly. While Adedeji-Sternberg was busy with his future for weeks, other players seized their chance. Yokoyama, who played only 12 matches last season, got minutes and delivered performance. Bibout, who scored just three goals last season, made his mark again. Thorup has enough alternatives, putting Adedeji-Sternberg in a difficult position. His talent and one-on-one skills are hardly in question, but his performance and consistency were earlier work points. The performances of his rivals can significantly change his position.
Transfer Row Turns Against Adedeji
By the end of June, Genk was threatening to lose a coveted winger, but the club had to bring him back into the group and try to mend the rift with the player and fans. Today, the Limburgers still have him under contract until 2028, but sportively, more solutions are emerging without him. Adedeji-Sternberg is still far from being surplus, but his situation has changed. When Yokoyama continues to perform and substitutes like Bibout decide matches, Thorup can hardly just make way for him.
