Joseph Paintsil, a winger for the Black Stars of Ghana, has expressed his belief that the departure of Nigerian forward Paul Onauchu to Southampton during the winter transfer window has had a negative impact on KRC Genk’s campaign in the Belgium Pro League.

Despite leading the league, Genk will face stiff competition in the playoffs to be crowned champions. According to Paintsil, if Onauchu had remained with the team, they would have had a ten-point lead and would not have needed to participate in the playoffs.

“We are not going to let Club Brugge become champions,” Paintsil declared in an interview with Nieuwsblad. “If Onuachu were still here, we might have had a ten-point lead, and the playoffs wouldn’t have to be played.”

Paintsil has been in incredible form this season, scoring 15 goals and providing 15 assists for KRC Genk. He is confident that his team will be able to defeat any challenges posed by their rivals in the playoffs, but he admitted that the disappointment would be significant if they fail to win the championship. “Club Brugge is always to be feared in the playoffs, but we believe that we will become champions. The disappointment would be great if we do not win, but I am convinced that I will not be disappointed,” he said.

Moreover, Paintsil’s performance this season has caught the attention of several English Premier League clubs, including Brighton, Brentford, and Leeds United. As the playoffs loom, Genk will be looking to Paintsil’s form and leadership to guide them to their first championship since 2019.

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