Genk had, by their standards, a poor season last year. They had hoped to go into this year under Nicky Hayen, who took over midway through last season after leaving Club Brugge. However, they lost Hayen to Burnley, and have now turned to Jess Thorup, who returns for a second spell with Genk. The side have not been hugely active in the transfer market, but they have plenty of young talent in their academy that they will look to give opportunities to this season. They have spent pretty big on new striker Rafiu Durosinmi, and the Nigerian will hope to follow in the footsteps of his compatriots Paul Onuachu and Tolu Arokodare.
Transfer in: Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa), Jeppe Erenbjerg (Zulte Waregem)
Transfer out: Brent Stevens (free), Jusef Erabi (Preston, loan)
Key player: Bryan Heynen
Heynen will end up being one of just three players, transfers dependent, aged 30 or above in the Genk squad by the end of this season. The club captain will be a key player in helping the new signings and younger players adapt to the rigours of the Belgian Pro League. Heynen remains a top performing central midfielder for Genk, and is likely to hit 400 games played for the club in the early months of the season. His attacking output and overall style of play may be different, but he is as key to Genk as Hans Vanaken is to Club Brugge, a leader on and off the pitch.
Young player to watch: Lucca Brughmans
You could easily put five or six players into this category for Genk. Yet, this season, one will be getting plenty of playing time. Lucca Brughmans looks set to be the sides number one this season. Given Genk’s track record of developing goalkeepers in the past, many top clubs will be keeping an eye on the 18-year-old Brughmans over the course of the season. If he plays well, expect many teams to be circling next summer.
