Cyriel Dessers ready to replace Paul Onuachu

There are a lot of transfer uncertainties surrounding the Belgian Cup winners, but one Nigerian international is sure of what he wants this year
One-cap Super Eagles star Cyriel Dessers has made it clear he wants to become KRC Genk’s first-choice striker when compatriot Paul Onuachu makes his much-anticipated move abroad this summer.
Dessers was the celebrated signing for the Smurfs last year after he finished as the top scorer in the 2019-2020 Eredivisie season.
But Onuachu took the shine off the Nigerian-Belgian striker, seizing the first-choice striker’s role after a string of brilliant performances.
The former FC Midtjylland star ended the campaign with 35 goals in all competitions and the Ebony Shoe award to kick off a scramble for his signature among several European clubs.
With Genk not bulking at the hefty transfer fee slammed on Onuachu, the 27-year-old’s expected move has not materialised even as the Belgian Pro League commenced on Friday.
Still, the Belgian Cup holders have initiated negotiations with Chelsea for another player of Nigerian descent, Ike Ugbo, as Onuachu’s potential replacement.
But Dessers is convinced he is the ideal man to step into Onuachu’s shoes, which showed in his contribution to the team’s last gasp draw at Standard Liege.
The former Heracles ace, who replaced an ineffective Onuachu after the hour, provided the assist to Theo Bongonda’s 92nd-minute equaliser, which salvaged a point for Genk in a tough away tie.
Dessers managed only seven league goals for Genk last season.
Meanwhile, Cyriel Dessers played a key role as he provided the assist which helped Genk hold Standard Liege to a 1-1 away draw in their league first game on Friday night.
Also in action for Genk was Dessers’ compatriot Paul Onuachu who was top scorer last season.
And after replacing Onuachu In the 62nd minute, Dessers set up Theo Bongonda to equalise for Genk in the 92nd minute.
Standard Liege had taken the lead through Konstantinos Laifis in the 69th minute.
In his first season in the Belgian topflight, Dessers scored seven goals in 32 appearances.
Genk will hope to seal a first win of the new campaign when they host KV Oostende on the 30th of July.