Christopher Bonsu Baah scored a goal and two assists from 15 games for Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 FF last season. Even though the statistics weren’t impressive, the winger had caught the attention of Brighton & Hove Albion, KRC Genk and other clubs.
The Jupiler Pro League side were able to overcome a tough competition from the Seagulls to acquire the 18-year-old’s services earlier this month. He has signed a five-year deal with the Belgian club.
De Morgen analyst Marc Degryse interviewed Genk manager Wouter Vrancken, where he revealed Brighton had offered a better deal than his side to sign Christopher Bonsu Baah.
“With Bonsu Baah we have an extra talent. He could also go to Brighton, who wanted to pay more, but he insisted on coming to us. He may have been loaned out by them [Brighton],” he said.
Brighton owner Tony Bloom has also invested in Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Meanwhile, Manchester City owners, the City Football Group, have several clubs in their stable.
Vrancken believes it’s going to be difficult for Genk to compete with the likes of these groups.
“It’s extra difficult these days with all those football groups. The CFG can get ten young players for €4m,” Vrancken explained.
“They store one at Lommel, another somewhere else. If one eventually yields €50m, they will have earned more than their investment. It is a serious challenge for clubs like ours. We must stay ahead of such large groups in the search for those young people.”
