Newcastle United is insisting on Champions League qualification and also makes an offer for one of the best young talents of European football – but they are confronted with competition
Genk star Konstantinos Karetsas is one of the most popular young properties in European football, and three Premier League clubs are in the mix for the teenager. Manchester United and Liverpool had already monitored the Greek Sterret, but Newcastle is now threatening to spoil the party with its own bid.
Karetsas, 17, was born in Belgium and played age group football for the country before switching international loyalty to the land of his parents Greece. He made his senior international debut in a play-off from Nations League against Scotland in March and scored in the victory of Greece in Greece.
At club level, he made his senior Genk debut in May 2024 at the age of only 16. He enjoyed further opportunities to impress this period, to perform and play 25 times after the sale of teammate Bilal El-Khannouss to Leicester City.
According to The Sun, Newcastle is ready to continue with a deal for Karetsas, who is said to have a release clause of £ 35 million. It is also said that United and Liverpool are sharp, just like Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.
Karetsas helped Genk on top of the regular season table in Belgium, and they are staying in the front after the first two rounds of championship play-offs. He scored the opener in their first play-off match, a 4-0 win over Ghent.
Karetsas, who was born in Genk, spent time in the Academy of Andershecht before he returned to his boys' club in 2023. When signing his last contract extension, he opened his reasons to agree on a renewal.
“Genk is my home. I feel a lot of confidence from the club,” he said. “This is the best environment for me to keep growing, close to my family. I want to win trophies with KRC Genk and compete in Europe,” explains the young Virtuoso ambitious. “
Head of football Dimitri de Conde glowed in his praise. “We are very happy with the confidence that Kos are placing in our club,” said the Conde. “Here he can achieve success with the team and continue to grow in a familiar environment. As a technical director I could no longer be satisfied with a player like Kos. He embodies the DNA of attractive, attacking football that we stand for as a club.”
Over the years, Genk has brought a number of future Premier League stars. Belgium Star Kevin De Bruyne started his career at the club, just like international colleagues, including Christian Benteke, Thibaut Courtois and Leandro Trossard.
However, it is not just about home -grown talents. Wilfred Ndidi made his professional debut with the club before he came to the current side Leicester City, while the Jamaican international international Leon Bailey from Aston Villa received his first taste of European football with the Belgian outfit.
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