To fill the gap left by Mike Penders’ move to Chelsea FC, KRC Genk welcomes a new name between the posts. Austrian international Tobias Lawal (25) joins from LASK Linz and signs a four-year deal at the Cegeka Arena, keeping him in Limburg until the summer of 2029.
Lawal has long been regarded as one of Austria’s most promising goalkeepers. Standing at 1.95m, he cuts an imposing figure, combining that physical presence with impressive reflexes. On the ball, he possesses all the qualities Genk looks for in a modern goalkeeper. Last season, he was the benchmark for passing accuracy among goalkeepers in the Austrian Bundesliga — a key asset in Genk’s build-up play from the back.
European experience
Lawal came through the youth ranks at LASK Linz, making the step up to the first team in 2018. He made his senior debut at the age of 20, eventually establishing himself as the club’s number one and earning the captain’s armband. His strong club performances were recently rewarded with a first cap for the Austrian national team during the latest international window. Lawal already has European experience, having featured in both the UEFA Europa Conference League and the Europa League. There's no doubt he’ll bring added value both on the pitch and in the dressing room for coach Thorsten Fink’s squad.
“Tobias is a modern goalkeeper whose profile perfectly fits what we expect here at Genk,” says Head of Football Dimitri de Condé. “He combines height with explosiveness and exudes confidence. On top of that, he’s very comfortable with the ball at his feet — a key trait in our playing style. We’re confident he can take the next step in his career under the guidance of our goalkeeper coaches.”
Lawal himself is thrilled with the move:
“This is only my second club in Europe, but Genk is a fantastic destination for young players to grow — especially for goalkeepers like me. The club has developed some amazing keepers in recent years: Courtois, Casteels, Vandevoordt, Penders… I’m really looking forward to working with the goalkeeper coaches here and hope to follow in their footsteps and be just as successful for this beautiful club,” said Genk’s new number 26.
Lawal will compete with Hendrik Van Crombrugge and Lucca Brughmans for a place in goal. KRC Genk warmly welcomes Tobias to Limburg and wishes him the best of luck in blue and white.
