The Nigerian international, Tolu Arokodare, speaking on his move to Wolverhampton Wanderers on the deadline of the summer transfer window revealed the club’s history, and how players have developed overtime which gave him the assurance that Wolves is the right place to progress his career.
Having won the Golden Boot on joint top-scorer in the Belgian Pro League last season with Genk, the 24-year-old striker spent two and a half years in the Belgian league, joining KRC Genk in January 2023 and remaining there until his transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2025.
Last campaign at Genk, the Nigerian international striker Arokodare netted 23 times in all competitions.
Arokodare, knowing fully well that a lot of expectations are demanded from him at the Molineux and he’s itching to start contributing positively to his Premier League club once returned from the international break.
“It feels amazing. It did take a while, but I’m here finally, and I’m happy to be here. I didn’t need convincing. I know the history of the club and the players that have been here and how they’ve progressed to become better players. I like the project of the club, and that’s what I want for myself. I want to improve and I want to progress, and help this team,” Arokodare said.
“I think I’ll fit in pretty good. If you, for example, look at the strikers that we have now, we’re almost the same profile, so it won’t be difficult for me to adapt. You could see how good [Jorgen Strand] Larsen did last season, and I’m just here to help the team.”
On suiting the Premier League
Having played in Germany, France, and Belgium, Arokodare admitted that the Premier League demands a lot of runs due to its intensity and physicality even though his first few games will be challenging and adding that he’s set for the challenge.
In his words: “I think I’ll fit in pretty good. The Premier League is a league full of physicality, high intensity, a lot of runs, and I think I’m that kind of player. I think I’m strong, I’m fast. Obviously, the first few games and weeks won’t be the easiest, but it’s a challenge that I think I’m ready for, and I think I’ll fit in pretty good.
“It was time already. I had my mind set here, this is where I wanted to be, because I played in Germany, France, Belgium, and I think it was just here missing, and finally I’m happy to be here.”
On being excited to start
Asked on how he feels about putting on the Old Gold shirt and playing in front of the fans, the Nigerian forward stated that he can’t wait to debut for his new club.
“I wouldn’t say I’m completely match fit, because I haven’t played more than 30 minutes in a single game, but I’m going to the national team now, and hopefully I get to play games, and if it doesn’t happen, I’ll just try to stay fit and come back and be in top form for the team.
“I can’t wait to meet the guys, to meet the coach, and to start training with the team. I tried on the jerseys yesterday, the three different ones, they felt nice, they felt amazing, they felt right. I can’t wait for the first game, the first home game, if I’m starting, if I’m coming off the bench, if I’m on the bench, not playing, I can’t wait just to be in front of the fans,” Arokodare said.
On scoring goals in Belgium
While reflecting on his performance at Genk during last campaign, Arokodare is confident of bringing that same scoring form to the Molineux.
“I would say there is still that confidence from last season. I haven’t played as many minutes this season for obvious reasons, but hopefully I can get back to playing more minutes and I can get back to my goal scoring form.
“It [the golden boot] was very nice. It wasn’t easy, because there was very good competition. To be honest, and to give credit to the other guy, I was joint top scorer, but it was an amazing feeling. It felt like a well done, it was just a little bit sad that we didn’t win the title, but it was also something to take home with me,” Arokodare said.
