Arokodare, alongside his Genk teammate Noah Adedeji, participated in an initiative with Vincentius, a local charity in Genk, to distribute food parcels to families in need during the festive period.

The Nigerian forward, who has netted 11 goals for Genk this season, played an active role in packaging fresh meals for the Christmas holidays.

Sint-Vincentius Genk Zutendaal, which distributes an impressive 20 tonnes of food monthly and even more during the holidays, welcomed the players’ helping hands.

Reflecting on his faith and motivations, Arokodare said:

“Praying relaxes me, inspires me, gives me confidence and a feeling of protection. I pray in the morning, evening, and before every match, asking for protection for all the players and fans of both teams.”

The gesture was part of Genk’s broader Christmas celebrations and provided a heartwarming connection between the players and their community.

Families who benefitted from the initiative expressed their gratitude, while the event brought smiles to many faces, both young and old.

Girona’s Interest in Arokodare
Arokodare’s on-field success has not gone unnoticed.

Reports indicate that Spanish club Girona are keen on signing the 24-year-old, with Genk valuing him at around €7 million.

The striker, also on the radar of Turkish giants Galatasaray, has proven to be a dominant force in Belgium and is now attracting interest from across Europe.

Alex Iwobi Joins Festive Charity Efforts
Arokodare is not the only Nigerian footballer spreading holiday cheer.

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened a London-based shop, “AleXpress,” where families in need can collect free food for Christmas dinner.

“We want to create a place where families can get what they need,” said Iwobi.

“If I can help them have a peaceful Christmas, why not do it? I grew up watching my parents help others, and their example inspired me.”

The Eastbourne-born England defender recently turned 17 five days ago, and was given a professional contract by the Blues as a birthday present after joining from the Brighton and Hove Albion U-12 team a few years back.

Tayo started his career as a midfielder, but moved back to play central defence as he matured and has been a standout performer for the Chelsea U-18 squad, specifically known for his ability to command his teammates and play out from back with excellence.

Subuloye has represented England at the U-18 level, making his debut in October 2024, but is eligible to represent Nigeria. However, if he’ll be open to representing the Super Eagles of Nigeria is currently unknown at the moment.

“His performances this season have earned him recognition, and he is expected to play a significant role in Chelsea’s future defensive plans. Keep an eye on this rising star.

He is a talented footballer who is comfortable playing in various positions and adapts well to any intense situation,” Chelsea’s official website read after Subuloye penned his new deal.

The lanky defender was heavily involved in Chelsea’s U-16 Premier League campaign, captaining the side to the national final. He was also an important member of the U-17 side that won the League Cup before getting an invitation to the club’s U-18 side.

Real Madrid has decided to make a surprise signing according to SPORT, citing anonymous sources, which would see a “prodigal son” return to the Bernabeu if the transfer is completed.

Rafa Marin was sold to Napoli in the summer, for a €12 million fee which could reach up to €22 million depending on a series of variables.

As is common practice when offloading the products of its La Fabrica academy however, Madrid demonstrated wise business acumen by inserting buyback clauses into the terms and conditions of its deal with the Italian club.

This is known as the “Via Carvajal” or “Carvajal route” in Spain, in honor of the club legend right back Dani Carvajal currently out injured for what is expected to be the rest of the ongoing 2024/2025 after he ruptured his ACL among other things during a 2-0 La Liga win over Villarreal at the Bernabeu in early October.

The Euro 2024 winner with Spain and Ballon d’Or candidate was shipped out to Bayer Leverkusen on a five-season deal in 2012, yet brought back to his country’s capital after just a single season following an impressive breakout in the Bundesliga.

This is something that could happen sooner with Marin, and perhaps as early as the January transfer window which opens at the turn of 2025.

Carlo Ancelotti’s injury ravaged squad is particularly short on players in defense, with David Alaba yet to return from his own ACL knock and Eder Militao once again falling to the critical injury for the second time in two seasons.

While Raul Asencio has achieved Marin’s dream by being promoted to the first team fold from the Castilla amid Militao’s setback, Toni Rudiger remains the only senior center back Ancelotti can call upon and he is often partnered with defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as of late.

Snapping up Marin is a case of the sooner the better, because of the interesting way that the transfer was hashed out.

Madrid made sure to include a $27.1 million (€25 million) buy back clause which can be exercised in 2026, but that then rises to $37.9 million (€35 million) in 2027.

Yet if Napoli pays an additional $10.8 million (€10 million) next year, those clauses double to $54.2 million (€50 million) in 2026 and $75.8 million (€70 million) in 2027.

As Marin’s move to Napoli hasn’t gone as planned, though, the thinking is that he can be picked up on the cheap and perhaps for something around the price the Serie A giant originally paid for the 21-year-old considering he is still yet to make his debut for it.