KRC Genk and KAA Gent missed an opportunity by not making a move for Zulte Waregem striker Ementa this summer. That is the view of experienced Belgian coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck, in an analysis published by Redactie24.
The forward impressed last season at Essevee, but a transfer did not materialize. His contract with Zulte Waregem runs until June 2028, with a club option for an additional year. The club paid for him in the summer. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is estimated at 2.5 million euros, a significant increase.
Why did Vanhaezebrouck name these strikers?
Hein Vanhaezebrouck gave his opinion this week. "I find it strange that nobody came to get Ementa." said the former KAA Gent manager. Alongside Ementa, he also pointed to French striker Aurélien Scheidler of Charleroi. Scheidler is under contract until 2028 and has an estimated value of two million euros.
Vanhaezebrouck's comments come at a key time for KRC Genk. The club currently sits seventh in the Jupiler Pro League with 8 points from 5 games. Their goal difference is +4, having scored 12 and conceded 8. They trail league leaders KAA Gent by 7 points. The direct clash between these two clubs is already on the schedule: Genk hosts Gent on September 13. The full league calendar can be found on our standings page.
How does this relate to other Genk transfers?
The discussion about potential reinforcements contrasts with the major investment Genk made earlier this summer. The club signed striker Durosinmi for a fee of ten million euros. The Nigerian originally signed with Pisa until mid-2030. Transfermarkt valued that move at around seven million euros. It highlights the difference in transfer strategy between an established purchase and the missed chance on a more affordable option like Ementa.
For the senior squad, the next match is vital. The home game against league-leader Gent offers a chance to close the gap. Fans can check the current squad lineup.
What does this mean for the rest of the season?
Not seizing certain opportunities in the transfer market puts the focus on the performances of the current player group. Genk's recent form has been mixed, with a sequence of draw, win, loss, draw, and win (DWDWL) in their last five league matches. To challenge at the top, efficiency in front of goal must improve. The team's statistics can be followed in detail via our stats page.
The next test is therefore a top-of-the-table clash. KRC Genk plays at home against KAA Gent, the current league leaders, on September 13.
