KRC Genk has brought in Ken Nkuba as Daniel Munoz’s successor. The 22-year-old right back was supposed to be one of the biggest outgoing transfers in Sporting Charleroi’s club history last summer, but the Limburgers were able to acquire him for ‘only’ 3.75 million euros.
Ken Nkuba: KRC Genk’s plan C
KRC Genk said goodbye to Daniel Muñoz last week after a remarkable and much-discussed transfer soap opera. The departure of the “super important” Colombian leaves a significant void in the team and especially in the right back position.
With only one option left, Zakaria El Ouahdi, it became clear that the occupation in that position was too light. “I think we need someone,” Wouter Vrancken indicated. The first choice to replace Munoz was Hugo Siquet, who is hired by Cercle Brugge from SC Freiburg, but he turned out to be too expensive.
Moreover, Dimitri de Condé not only had to negotiate with Freiburg, but also with Cercle Brugge, which did not want to release him just like that. Daiki Hashioka from Sint-Truiden was another option, but he ultimately opted for a transfer to Luton Town.
Genk therefore had to quickly switch to an alternative and ultimately found it within its own borders. Ken Nkuba (22) was recruited from Sporting Charleroi and signed a 4.5-year contract. Genk paid a transfer fee of 3.75 million euros.
Genk wanted Nkuba last summer: more medical guarantees
KRC Genk has signed Ken Nkuba this winter trade, but the interest in the right back dates back much earlier. Genk already inquired with Sporting Charleroi in the previous summer trade fair, but according to… The evening the Limburgers wanted more medical guarantees before signing him.
In May last year, Nkuba suffered a serious meniscus injury during an unnecessary practice match against RFC Liège. This injury also prevented Nkuba from making a transfer to RC Lens or Lille OSC, and he also had to miss out on the European Championship with the Young Devils.
A painful moment for Nkuba, who saw his dreams evaporate and had to recuperate for no less than seven months. “If the bad luck at the end of last season had not happened, Ken Nkuba would probably be one of the biggest outgoing transfers in the club’s history at the moment,” wrote Sudinfo.
Nkuba undergoes metamorphosis: like Adama Traoré
This was already the second serious injury in Ken Nkuba’s early career. During the match against Cercle Brugge on December 15, 2020, his very first match as titular player, he dropped out with a serious knee injury.
Diagnosis: torn cruciate ligaments. The result: thirteen months of rehabilitation before he could resume work. It is logical that KRC Genk asked Charleroi for medical guarantees last summer.
Then Nkuba came back stronger than ever, and that is also the plan after his recent serious meniscus injury. Nkuba has worked hard during the past seven months of rehabilitation, returning to group training with Charleroi a while ago.
During his recovery, the 22-year-old took the opportunity to further develop his muscles, especially in his upper body. As a result, Nkuba has gained significant muscle mass and undergone a remarkable transformation.
Nevertheless, he has been careful not to lose his speed, one of his strongest qualities. “Adama Traoré is an example in football and sprinters are muscular athletes. I wouldn’t have done it if I thought it could hurt me.”
Ken Nkuba: One of the best JPL right backs and an athletic monster
In mid-December, Ken Nkuba made his return to the field and has since appeared in four matches. Initially as a substitute, but against Club Brugge he was allowed to start as a starter.
During that match against Blauw-Zwart he played 70 minutes, which he had not achieved since April 23, 2023. Nkuba brought his enthusiasm, dribbling, and sprints, but the right back is not (yet) in top form.
“70, 80, 90 or 100%? I don’t know where I stand. Things are going their way,” Nkuba said after the match against Club Brugge. “I have to continue collecting minutes, it was seven months ago that I didn’t play that much. It’s a nice victory. I try to do as many sprints as possible, to bring what I can, with my qualities.”
At Genk they hope that Nkuba will regain his level of last season, when he was known as one of the most feared right backs in the competition. The last hour described him as an athletic monster, an attacking player with real defensive discipline and a wide range of defensive skills.
Nkuba stood out with excellent timing on dangerous crosses and his impact on the team. He was decisive thanks to his depth with the ball at his feet and was very strong in one-on-one duels.
On the other hand, he still had to work to bring more regularity to his performances. “Physically very strong, but sometimes a bit rambunctious,” said the judge The newspapaer.
Charleroi forced to sell Nkuba ‘cheaper’: 7.2 million euros loss
Based on his strong performances last season, Sporting Charleroi hoped to sell Ken Nkuba last summer in one of the biggest transfers in the club’s history.
The last hour then wrote that Nkuba’s likely transfer would bring in a lot of money, while Sports/Football magazine predicted that the Young Devil would probably not stay in the Black Land for much longer.
However, a serious meniscus injury threw a spanner in the works. Nevertheless, Charleroi has now, a year later, been able to collect a nice transfer fee of 3.75 million euros, making Nkuba the eleventh most expensive outgoing transfer from the club.
This sale was crucial and vital for the Carolos, as the club suffered a loss of 7.2 million euros in the previous financial year, higher than initially estimated.
As a result, Charleroi had to cash in on Nkuba, one of the few players in the squad who represents any capital, to improve its financial situation.
