Wolves have announced the signing of Genk striker Tolu Arokodare on a four-year contract with an option for a 12-month extension. The 24-year-old Nigerian won the Golden Boot in the Belgian Pro League last season, scoring 21 goals in the league and 23 in all competitions.  

Tolu Arokodare received youth football training in his hometown and made his European debut with Latvian team Valmiera in 2019. At the age of 18, he began to play regularly in the professional league, scoring 22 goals in 34 games, demonstrating his outstanding scoring ability.  

He subsequently gained valuable experience in the Bundesliga, first on loan at FC Cologne and then on a two-year loan spell at Amiens in Ligue 1, during which he scored 21 goals. The striker then moved to Genk, officially becoming a member of the team in January 2023. The following spring, he nearly won the Belgian Professional League title, but Genk ultimately fell short in the final round.  

In his first full season in Belgium, Tolu Arokodare made 52 appearances for Genk, including seven European matches, and scored 15 goals. However, last season was his peak year to date, as Genk once again challenged for the league title.  

The Nigerian striker made five appearances for Genk at the start of the new season, scoring against Standard Liege earlier this month. Now, however, he's about to embark on a new chapter, making his Premier League debut for Wolves. Tolu Arokodare says the club's rich history and the growth its players experience there convinced him that joining was the right step in his career.  

After completing the signing, Tolu Arokodare said: "I am very excited. Although the process took some time, I finally came here and I am very happy about it. I don't need anyone to persuade me. I know the history of this club and I know how the players who played here have grown step by step into better players."  

"I really appreciate the club's plan, which is exactly what I am pursuing. I hope to continue to improve and contribute to the team. I believe I can integrate well into the team. If you look at our current forward configuration, you will find that everyone has very similar characteristics, so it will not be difficult for me to adapt."  

"You saw how well Jurgen Strand-Larsen performed last season, and my purpose in coming here is to help the team keep moving forward. I still have the confidence I had last season, although for some obvious reasons my playing time has been limited this season, but I hope to gradually increase my playing time and rediscover my scoring touch."  

“I’m confident I can adapt well. The Premier League is a competitive, high-intensity league that requires a lot of running, and I think I have the right qualities. I have strength and speed. The first few games and the first few weeks may be difficult, but I’m ready and confident that I can successfully integrate into the team and the league.”  

"The time has come and I've made up my mind that this is where I want to play. After playing in Germany, France and Belgium, I felt like I was missing something and now I'm finally here and I'm very happy."  

Finally, Tolu Arokodare admitted that he can't wait to train with his new teammates. He said: "I can't say I'm fully back to match fitness, as I haven't played more than 30 minutes in any of the matches. But I'm going to report to the national team now and hope to get a chance to play. If not, I will work hard to stay healthy and play for the team in the best condition when I return to the club."  

"I can't wait to see my teammates and coaches and start training with the team. I've tried on three different jerseys and they all feel very comfortable and fit me well. I'm also looking forward to the first game, especially my first home game. Whether I start, come on the bench, or even stay on, I'm eager to stand in front of the fans."