HLN are reporting that LA Galaxy are looking to trigger the release clause of €8m in Genk’s Joseph Paintsil’s contract. The 25-year-old Ghanaian winger would then, according to the paper, be set to earn almost double his current salary with the MLS side. However, the AFCON bound winger is said to be fond of playing in Genk and may not be keen on moving to the USA, even for the reported contract increase.
This is because last summer Paintsil had the opportunity to leave Genk to play in England with Leeds United and Southampton. Again he would likely have increased his earnings, but in a later interview he said that it did not feel right and that he enjoyed playing for Genk. The Belgian club, while powerless to stop him should the clause be triggered, are hoping not to sell any key players this January.
Paintsil is certainly a key player for the Genk side this season, with six goals and four assists in the Pro League so far. Last season he ended with 17 goals and 11 assists in 36 matches.
