Ghana forward Jerry Afriyie joins Genk on five-year deal

Ghana international Jerry Afriyie has completed a permanent move to Belgian top-flight club Genk from Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah.

The 19-year-old forward has signed a contract that will keep him at Genk until 2031.

Afriyie began his career at Ghanaian club Thoughts FC before moving to Al Qadsiah in January 2025.

He spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Belgian side La Louvière, scoring five goals and providing one assist.

The teenager's performances in Ghana earned him the Odartey Lamptey Future Star Award in 2025, recognising him as one of the country's most promising young players.

He had previously attracted attention as the leading scorer for Ghana's Under-20 side before receiving his first senior call-up for a friendly international in the spring.

Afriyie also spent pre-season with Al Qadsiah, where he trained alongside fellow Ghanaian and former Genk player Christopher Bonsu Baah.

Genk's head of football Dimitri de Condé said the club had been impressed by Afriyie's energy and attacking qualities.

"Jerry is a player with an incredible amount of energy. Whatever he does, he gives 100%. That fits perfectly with the intensity we want to see at KRC Genk," De Condé said.

He added that the Belgian club believes Afriyie still has significant room for improvement despite his promising start to his career.

"He has a lot of natural ability and possesses qualities that are crucial in the modern game: pace, explosiveness, runs in behind, and the ability to cause problems in one-v-one situations," De Condé said.

"He is also still very young, and we will provide him with the right environment to continue his development.

"We firmly believe he will be an excellent addition to the current squad, both now and for the future."

Afriyie will now look to make his Genk debut when they travel to face Antwerp this weekend in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.