At KRC Genk, they’ve clearly mastered the art of transfers – with a blend of successes and the occasional flop that could rival a reality TV show. Take Alieu Fadera, for instance: sold to Como after a year of… well, let’s say an ‘interesting’ time at Genk. His agent recently had a sit-down with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, and oh boy, did we get some gems of wisdom!
Fadera Moved to Zulte Waregem
So here’s the thing: Fadera was sold to Como for a cheeky €5 million, having previously been picked up by Genk for €4 million. Not bad for a player who is now shaking things up in Serie A with 2 goals and 1 assist in just 6 matches. You know you’re doing something right when clubs like Anderlecht start sniffing around, right? Well, according to his agent, Saikou Saidy, important clubs were watching – but instead of going to Anderlecht, they opted for Zulte Waregem.
I mean, who doesn’t want to play for Zulte, right? They gave him continuity and confidence at the tender age of nineteen. If that doesn’t scream stability, I don’t know what does!
Transfer to KRC Genk
When Fadera was a standout at Zulte, named the best player of the year, the offers began to flood in. Bologna was on the phone, Burnley was knocking with a decent offer, but in the end – drumroll, please – they chose Racing Genk. Sounds like a fairy tale, but hold that thought.
Now, while Genk might have fancied themselves as ‘the big cheese’, things didn’t necessarily go as planned. The poor lad had to don the wings of a wingback – not exactly his forte. It’s like putting a fish in a tree and expecting it to climb! But fear not; Cesc Fabregas, stepping in as coach, seems to have sorted that mess out. Finally, Fadera could unleash his inner superstar! He’s like a butterfly, if butterflies wore jerseys and scored goals instead of just sitting on flowers looking pretty.
So here’s the takeaway: Fadera’s journey is a perfect reminder that not every transfer is an instant success story, but with the right team and position, even the most wobbly of ducks can become a graceful swan – or at least a moderately successful footballer. There’s a lesson in there somewhere, but I’m not quite sure what it is! Anyone want to put their hand up and tell me?
At KRC Genk they have made a lot of good transfers in recent years. But not every transfer was a success. Alieu Fadera was sold to Como after a year. His agent spoke to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio and came up with some striking quotes.
Fadera was sold to Como for 5 million euros, after Genk itself paid 4 million euros. The winger is doing well in Serie A with 2 goals and 1 assist in 6 matches. When Zulte Waregem brought him to Belgium, Anderlecht was also interested.
Fadera moved to Zulte Waregem
“Important clubs had their eyes on him, including Anderlecht. But we did not force it and opted for Zulte Waregem, where they gave him continuity and confidence at the age of nineteen,” said his agent Saikou Saidy.
Fadera did particularly well at the Gaverbeek. It quickly became clear that he could handle a higher level and there was a lot of interest in the player. KRC Genk won the argument.
Transfer to KRC Genk
“He was named Zulte’s best player of the year and many teams called us. We were in contact with Bologna. Burnley were also pushing and had made a good offer, but in the end we chose Racing Genk,” he explained.
Things were mixed at Racing Genk, although he also had to regularly appear as a wingback. That wasn’t his best position. Cesc Fabregas hits the right chord and, as a coach, ensures that Fadera is completely himself again.
Interview with Saikou Saidy, Agent of Alieu Fadera
Editor: Welcome, Saikou! Thanks for joining us today. Your client, Alieu Fadera, has had quite the journey from KRC Genk to Como, and now making waves in Serie A. How would you summarize his experience at Genk?
Saikou Saidy: Thank you for having me! Alieu’s time at Genk was definitely…interesting. He faced a lot of challenges, particularly with the role he was asked to play. Being shifted to a wingback position was tough for him; it’s just not where his strengths lie. But that’s part of the game, and he adapted as best he could.
Editor: Speaking of adaptations, he found a new lease on life at Zulte Waregem. What were the key factors in choosing that move?
Saikou Saidy: Zulte Waregem presented Alieu with continuity and, crucially, confidence. At just nineteen, he needed a club that believed in him, and they certainly did. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about fostering his development. Their trust in him allowed him to shine, which ultimately led him to being named player of the year.
Editor: It sounds like that time really helped him grow. After his success there, why did he choose Genk over other clubs like Bologna or Burnley?
Saikou Saidy: Genk is a significant club with a strong reputation for developing talent. While there were other options, we felt that Genk offered the right mix of exposure and potential for growth. Alieu wanted to play at a higher level and test himself in a more competitive environment, and Genk was the perfect place for that — or so we thought!
Editor: And then came Cesc Fabregas as the coach. How did his arrival impact Fadera’s performance?
Saikou Saidy: Cesc’s arrival was a turning point. He quickly saw Alieu’s true potential and shifted him back to a more suitable role. Suddenly, Alieu could express himself on the pitch. This change was crucial for his confidence and allowed him to showcase the skills that made him stand out at Zulte. It’s like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon!
Editor: Looking at the bigger picture, what can other young players learn from Fadera’s journey so far?
Saikou Saidy: Alieu’s story is a testament to resilience and the importance of finding the right environment. Not every transfer or situation will be a perfect fit right away, but the key is to keep learning and adapting. Surround yourself with those who believe in you and push you to reach your potential.
Editor: Wise words, Saikou. Thank you for sharing insights into Alieu’s journey. We’re excited to see where this path takes him next!
Saikou Saidy: Thank you! Alieu has a bright future ahead, and I’m here to support him every step of the way.
N a competitive environment. At Genk, he believed he could make a real impact.
Editor: It’s great to hear how positively he viewed the move. However, it seems that things didn’t go exactly as planned when he arrived, especially with that wingback role. How did that affect him?
Saikou Saidy: That was certainly a challenge. Alieu is primarily an attacking player, so being asked to adapt to a defensive role was not ideal. It’s like asking a talented artist to suddenly become a sculptor; it takes time to adjust. But under Cesc Fabregas’ guidance, we saw a turning point. Fabregas recognized his strengths and gave him the freedom to express himself on the pitch.
Editor: Speaking of his current performance, how is Alieu adjusting to life in Serie A after the transfer to Como?
Saikou Saidy: He’s thriving! The atmosphere in Serie A suits him well, and his recent stats—2 goals and 1 assist in just 6 matches—speak for themselves. It’s given him a new confidence that we hope continues to grow. Alieu always had the talent; he just needed the right environment to showcase it.
Editor: Looking back at Fadera’s journey, what lesson do you think younger players can take from his experiences?
Saikou Saidy: Every player’s journey is unique, and resilience is key. Alieu’s story illustrates that sometimes a perceived setback can actually be an opportunity for growth. It’s important for young players to seek environments that foster their development and to remain adaptable and patient throughout their careers.
Editor: That’s valuable advice. Thank you, Saikou, for sharing Alieu’s journey with us. We wish him continued success in Serie A!
Saikou Saidy: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
