Latest news with #Genk
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic transfer made Benjamin Nygren's sister burst into tears of joy as he lifts lid on rollercoaster path to Parkhead
The Celtic attacker has opened up on his winding path to Parkhead and the winning mentality he wants to learn from club stalwarts Benjamin Nygren has quickly found his feet at Celtic but he admitted he loved getting bandy as a youngster. It was nothing to do with being bow-legged or knocking back Buckfast down the park though. Bandy is a huge winter sport in Sweden – which is a bit like shinty – and the Hoops playmaker revealed he was a dab hand before setting his sights on cracking it as a footballer. The 24-year-old has settled sharpish with Brendan Rodgers' Celts but his career might have taken a different path after trying his hand at several sports as a youngster. Nygren said: 'It was always football for me. I played table tennis for a year, I played golf for a year, I played indoor bandy – which is kind of like ice hockey with a ball and no ice! 'It's a big thing in Sweden and I did it for a few years. I also did athletics as well but it was always football the main thing for me. 'I still love playing golf, pool, snooker and dart and so on. I just like all kinds of sports. 'Football has always been the main thing since I was about five years old. I always wants to play for the Sweden national team, play in the Champions League, the World Cup. 'When I was younger my path was always straight up. I didn't meet any difficulty until I left Sweden.' Nygren was one of the most sought-after stars in Europe as a teenager at Gothenburg with big hitters such as Manchester United and Chelsea on his trail. He eventually made a big money move to Genk but the switch backfired and he was farmed out on loan to Holland before signing for Nordsjaellad. Nygren burst back to form in Denmark and blasted his way into the Sweden team before his £1.7m switch to Celtic. He said: 'I did really well at 16 or 17 but I found my first difficulty in Belgium. I didn't play so much, coronavirus came and they shut down the season and I was loaned out to the Netherlands. 'I learned a lot from it. If you only go straight up it might be good for some but I learned a lot from it in terms of my mental strength. 'To move out when you are just 17 year-old, you learn a lot and it makes you stronger. 'Of course is was daunting going to Belgium. You think it will be straightforward and you'll just play. 'Genk were in the Champions League and had very good players. I played maybe five games in the season. But I went there at 17 so I was still young. I feel a lot of difference from when I was 18 or even 22. 'I've just turned 24 a few days ago so I'm still young but I've happy to have experienced all of this.' Nygren admitted it was a special moment getting the nod for Sweden – and he's hungry for more. Speaking to Celtic TV at the Hoops training camp in Portugal, he said: "For me, it is my proudest moment so far in my career. I think it is special for everyone when you play for your country and hear your national anthem. "I saw my family there and watched them – my sister was crying. It was difficult to watch them because it was such an emotional moment, but it was amazing, and I am so glad for it. "I am starting to feel it emotional again. It is a very emotional thing, because it is something that you work hard for every day. For anybody who is not really into football, they don't know the work behind the scenes. "Every day, you work, and you have to be disciplined, like by going to bed on time – it is your whole life, it's a lifestyle. "To achieve this dream is so difficult to describe, but it was amazing.' Nygren is relishing life at Celtic too – and he is determined to soak up the winning mentality at the club. He said: 'It's been very nice. I've been looking forward to it so I'm very happy to be here. 'It's a really nice group. All of the teammates are very friendly so I've settled in well. 'I always want to win, whether it's a training game or a game of table tennis! That's just how I am as a person and everyone who knows me knows how much I want to win. 'Am I good at table tennis? Maybe ask the other guys! 'They have won a lot of titles. I haven't yet – but hopefully I will in my career. It's good to be surrounded by guys like that and I can learn a lot from them.' Nygren got his first taste of Celtic action in Portugal at the weekend and he's gearing up to take on Sporting Lisbon in Faro on Wednesday night. But he admitted he can't wait to run out at Celtic Park against Newcastle United this weekend – and square up with fellow Sweden ace Alexander Isak. Nygren said: 'I've trained and played with him. He definitely stood out. You can see his touches on the ball and his finishing, he's a top striker – one of the best in the world. 'I'm looking forward to it so much, to win and scoring in front of the fans. I love big stadiums. I've seen a lot of videos and heard a lot of legends talking about the atmosphere, saying it's one of the most special places in Europe. That says a lot.'
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Genk extend contract of teenage goalkeeper attracting interest from Bayern Munich
Genk have announced that teenage goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans has signed a deal until 2028. The 17-year-old will be the third choice keeper for the side next season and is expected to play a major role for the sides second team, Jong Genk. The Belgian side were keen to tie Brughmans down to a longer term deal as it had begun to emerge that Bayern Munich were showing interest. It is hardly surprising that another Genk goalkeeper is attracting interest from top clubs in Europe, given that the side has an incredible track record of producing talented goalkeepers. Genk have had to go into the transfer market for a goalkeeper this summer after Chelsea decided not to loan Mike Penders back to the club. The side have brought in Austrian international Tobias Lawal from LASK, who will likely start ahead of the experienced Hendrik Van Crombrugge. These two will be ahead of Brughmans in the pecking order but he will get plenty of experience in the second tier with Genk's second team. GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
Daily Record
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Benjamin Nygren has touch of Celtic Magic Man about him as box of tricks about to be opened
Former Chelsea assisatnt Bjorn Hamberg has followed Nygren's career closely and draws parallels with a former Parkhead favourite There's a touch of the Tom Rogic about Celtic 's new recruit Benjamin Nygren. Bjorn Hamberg believes comparisons with the Aussie Magic Main are as a fellow master of the unexpected, being more lethal than languid and a surefire bargain. The former Chelsea assistant boss has followed Nygren' s career since he was a teenage prodigy in his homeland with IFK Gothenburg. Nygren suffered growing pains during a big-money move to Genk before coming of age at Nordsjaelland. Now Hamberg is confident his countryman will be a box of tricks in a Hoops shirt. Hamberg told Record Sport: 'Celtic have signed an extremely intelligent footballer, a difference maker with guile and technical ability who can turn games. There's an elegance to his game. 'His football brain allows him to be creative, taking the ball on the half-turn and being dangerous from a deep, attacking midfield role. 'I look at someone like Rogic who had an interesting career having started at the Nike Academy then a few clubs in Australia before having an amazing career. Hopefully Benjamin can have a similar huge impact. 'They are big shoes to fill but Rogic showed that you don't need to have made waves at a European club to be a massive success at Celtic. 'Benjamin will have that same humility, quality on the ball and work ethic to fit in at Celtic. ' Brendan Rodgers wants his attacking players to get on the ball and express themselves so it looks a perfect fit. 'Like every relatively unknown player who arrives at a big club, it's about limiting the expectations. 'Like Rogic, it helps that Benjamin is not a big-money signing –a couple of million isn't huge for Celtic. 'It's a good price for a player of such potential and profile. 'It's not a huge gamble and I believe he can quickly adapt and deliver what Rodgers wants from him.' The 23-year-old has been handed a five-year deal after making a £1.7million switch from Nordsjaelland. Hamberg is delighted to see Nygren make his breakthrough with the Swedish national team in recent months to complete his rehabilitation after a goal-laden spell in the Danish Superliga helped repair his standing after a troubled spell at Genk. He said: 'Benjamin's reputation has remained high in Sweden. 'He played for the Under-21 side at a young age but his failure to make an impact in Belgium didn't surprise me. 'For some reason, it's a place where Scandinavian players tend to struggle. 'Benjamin came through the same Gothenburg team as former Celtic defender Carl Starfelt and played as an orthodox striker. 'He did extremely well for someone of such a young age. He scored goals and came to the attention of big clubs on the continent. 'His move to Genk came in the season after they were Belgian champions and he started well and scored in his first game. 'But he only had a period of being trusted in the first team. 'He fell out of the plans of the manager, whose team was in a transition period, and was moved out on loan to Heerenveen in Holland's Eredivisie. It was a good step for him to get some minutes. 'He then moved to Denmark with FC Nordsjaelland, a club known for playing a really young side. 'For Benjamin, it was about taking one step back and staying humble – and he has reaped the rewards. 'He's scored goals and contributed to the attacking elements of the team. 'He's deployed more as an extra midfielder and uses his intelligence to help the team. 'He doesn't have the speed or the physicality to play up against two central defenders so sitting deeper has been part of his journey as a footballer and finding his place. 'I've watched how he has grown both as a person and a player. 'Nordsjaelland made him captain so for a foreign player to be handed the armband at a club where the culture isn't what he's used to speaks volumes for his maturity. 'I've seen many examples of young kids being sold to big clubs for a large amount of money – it's rarely easy. 'Football isn't always about how things are when everything is going your way, it's often about how you react in the bad times. 'How do you deal with adversity? How do you respond? 'Benjamin is an example of someone making good decisions and showing a good mentality to bounce back to the level he is at now.' Hamberg is adamant Nygren can also become a Champions League weapon for the Hoops this season once he finds his feet at Lennoxtown. He said: 'The last few months have been unbelievable for him. 'He has been capped for Sweden and has performed well in a role between the lines of midfield and attack. 'That deeper role has brought out the best in him. 'He likes to operate in the pockets and is a danger as he's difficult to pick up. He has scored twice in four games for Sweden so has stepped up superbly to that level. Now he has landed a huge move to Celtic. Champions League level is as a high as you can get in club football and Benjamin needs to show he can adapt – but I believe he will. 'First of all he has to cement his position in the team. 'He'll have the chance to do that in pre-season and, by the time the Champions League games arrive, he will be as ready as he can be. 'Moving to Glasgow is a massive step again for him. The size of Celtic and the stature they have in Europe is enormous but I look at the player and see someone who is ready to embrace that challenge. 'Let's see how he tackles this challenge, let's see how straight forward it is.'
CNA
04-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Tall Paul towers back to Trabzon as Super Lig side sign Onuachu for keeps
ISTANBUL :Paul Onuachu is back where the goals flowed after the Nigerian striker completed a 5.6 million euros ($6.60 million) move to Trabzonspor from Southampton on Friday, turning a successful loan spell into a permanent stay on Turkey's Black Sea coast. Nicknamed 'Tall Paul' by Saints fans, the 2.01-metre forward never found his stride in the Premier League, scoring just four goals as Southampton dropped out of the top flight. But in Turkey, he looked like his old self — hitting 15 goals in 21 league games while on loan last season and quickly winning over the fans and board alike. Once prolific at Genk, with 73 goals in 103 league games, 31-year-old Onuachu's return to Trabzonspor feels more like a reset than a gamble. The new Super Lig season kicks off on August 8, with champions Galatasaray defending their crown. Trabzonspor, who finished seventh last term, will hope their returning striker picks up right where he left off. ($1 = 0.8490 euros)
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Burnley Pushing to Sign 24-year-old Striker in £25million Deal
Burnley Eyeing Ambitious Strike Options for Premier League Return Burnley are exploring a bold mix of striker options as they prepare for life back in the Premier League, with Genk's powerful Nigerian frontman Tolu Arokodare emerging as a serious target. The 24-year-old has impressed in Belgium's top flight and is now attracting Premier League interest, with Burnley reportedly among the most active clubs pursuing him. Advertisement As reported by Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, 'There is understood to be serious interest in Arokodare, 24, who has an excellent record in the Belgian Pro League with Genk.' While negotiations continue, a valuation gap remains. Genk are seeking £25 million, which is considerably more than Burnley's current expectations. However, with two years remaining on his contract, there is hope that the price may drop later in the window. Burnley's interest in Arokodare aligns with manager Scott Parker's desire to bring in a leading No 9 to lead the line. After permanent deals for four key promotion players, Burnley are aiming for quality over quantity, especially up front. Photo: IMAGO Free Agents Add Experience and Depth In addition to overseas talent, Burnley are also in discussions regarding high-profile free agents, notably Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy. Advertisement Calvert-Lewin, 28, has officially left Everton, with injuries having limited his impact in recent years. Nonetheless, his reputation remains intact after scoring the decisive goal that saved Everton from relegation in 2022. As McGrath states, 'Clubs looking for firepower may consider him on an incentivised deal.' Wilson, now 33, saw minimal action for Newcastle United last season but has consistently demonstrated his ability to find the net when fully fit. Despite ongoing talks over a new deal, nothing has yet been agreed. Vardy, the most experienced of the trio, has confirmed his departure from Leicester City. Still clinical at 38, he's said to be evaluating whether to start regularly or become an impact substitute at a top club. His availability offers Burnley the chance to inject proven pedigree into their forward line. Continuity Behind the Reshuffle Burnley's squad-building strategy also shows lessons have been learned from the last Premier League campaign under Vincent Kompany. Unlike previous loans that thrived elsewhere, four of last season's temporary signings have now been signed permanently. Advertisement Bashir Humphreys, Marcus Edwards, Jaidon Anthony and Zian Flemming have all joined permanently for a combined £33.4 million, ensuring the core that achieved promotion stays intact. As noted, Parker's plan is to blend continuity with targeted upgrades. Meanwhile, the club are also preparing for potential exits, with Max Weiss joining from Karlsruher to potentially replace James Trafford, who is in talks over a move to Newcastle. Diouf, Tuanzebe and Hartman Bolster Key Areas The club's summer recruitment has also addressed defensive depth and midfield creativity. Axel Tuanzebe and Quilindschy Hartman bring versatility and international experience, while Lens midfielder Andy Diouf is another exciting prospect Burnley are chasing. Advertisement While Diouf's deal is not yet finalised, his addition would represent a major coup. At just 22, he offers dynamism and technical flair that could prove vital in Parker's system. Our View – EPL Index Analysis For Burnley fans, this article provides real cause for optimism. After last season's disappointment in the top flight, Scott Parker's plan feels refreshing, measured and bold. Tolu Arokodare is the kind of powerful, exciting forward Turf Moor has been crying out for — young, hungry and battle-tested in European football. The potential addition of someone like Calvert-Lewin or Wilson on a free transfer would be smart business. Sure, both have had fitness issues, but either could thrive in a system that plays to their strengths. As for Vardy, what a fairytale that would be — a Premier League icon coming in for one last charge, maybe even off the bench to grab a late winner at Turf Moor. Advertisement The fact we're locking down players like Anthony and Flemming permanently is massive. No more seeing loanees light it up elsewhere. This time, they're staying. Add in Tuanzebe's experience, Hartman's raw talent and the possibility of Andy Diouf pulling the strings in midfield, and you can't help but feel we're building something proper here. Let's just hope we get that No 9 sorted soon. Arokodare or one of the Prem vets — either would be a big statement.
