Genk hail Afriyie’s energy after Ghana forward signs through 2031

KRC Genk have completed the signing of Ghana forward Jerry Afriyie from Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah. The 19-year-old has agreed a five-year contract that will keep him at the Belgian side until 2031.

Genk Head of Football Dimitri de Conde has highlighted Afriyie’s exceptional work rate as a major reason for the move. He believes the teenager’s approach matches the high-intensity style the club wants from its players.

De Conde’s assessment is based on Afriyie’s commitment in every part of his game. The Genk football chief considers the forward’s mentality a strong match for the club’s football philosophy, with the Ghanaian expected to bring constant effort and aggression to the attack.

Afriyie offers Genk flexibility across the frontline. He can play on either flank, operate centrally as a forward or take up a position behind the main striker, giving the club several attacking options as he settles into Belgian football.

The move follows a loan spell at La Louviere last season, where Afriyie recorded five goals and one assist. That campaign gave him experience in Belgium before his permanent switch to Genk.

Afriyie began his football development at Thoughts FC in Ghana and moved to Al-Qadsiah in January 2025. His progress was recognised when he won Ghana’s best young player award in 2025 through the Odartey Lamptey Future Star Award.

He has also received his first senior Ghana call-up earlier this year. At Genk, his energy, positional versatility and forceful attacking approach will now be tested at a higher level as he starts the next stage of his career in Belgium.