Genk’s Hayen waits for Adedeji-Sternberg’s call as transfer saga drags on

Racing Genk head coach Nicky Hayen is preparing for the new season with a cloud over the club’s transfer strategy after winger Noah Adedeji-Sternberg set his sights on a move to Club Brugge. The 21-year-old Belgian international has a personal agreement with the Bruges club but Genk were not informed of the negotiations. Club Brugge have not yet submitted a formal bid.

Genk have entered talks with Adedeji-Sternberg, who is now training separately from the first team. “What Noah thinks, you have to ask him,” Hayen said. “He made this choice. I won’t interfere in that kind of matter. It’s between the clubs and the player.”

Hayen confirmed the club’s approach is to let Adedeji-Sternberg decide as quickly as possible whether he leaves or stays. “We want to focus now on the players who are fully committed to us,” he added.

The distraction comes as Genk begin pre-season under new performance staff. Kos Karetsas, Daan Heymans, Kenan Haroun and 16-year-old centre-back Elie Mbavu are among those working through drills. Hayen told the squad that last season was not a success and urged them to target the top three this term.

“It was not a successful season,” Hayen said. “There’s no point dwelling on it. We have to look at what can be better and learn to compete for trophies again. Our aim is to finish in the top three.”

To improve efficiency, Genk have hired new performance staff and promise a 24-hour approach to player development. “We have the potential and quality, but we must now learn to convert that into results,” Hayen said.

Adedeji-Sternberg’s situation is not the only distraction. Hendrik Van Crombrugge, Mujaid Sadick and Ken Nkuba are training individually after being told their services are no longer required. “They were told they can look for another club,” Hayen said.

Other players may yet leave, including Tobias Lawal, Jarne Steuckers and Jusef Erabi. Erabi missed training due to illness and follows an individual programme to avoid injury risk. “That could take a few more days,” Hayen said.

Genk have made one permanent signing so far: Jeppe Erenbjerg arrived from Zulte Waregem for €5.5 million. “He brings intensity and efficiency—exactly what we need,” Hayen said. “We’ve often heard we lack efficiency. Now we’re addressing it head-on.”

Hayen declined to detail further transfer targets. “We’re still looking at an attacking profile,” he said. “Beyond that, we’re waiting to see who might leave and who we need to replace. The files are on the table and we’re working hard every day.”

Club Brugge’s failure to inform Genk about Adedeji-Sternberg’s personal agreement has left the Limburg club frustrated, with both teams now locked in a tense standoff over the winger’s future.