Newcastle join Man Utd and Liverpool in transfer race for Greek wonderkid

Genk star Konstantinos Karetsas is one of the hottest young properties in European football, and three clubs are in the mix for the teenager. and already had eyes on the Greek starlet, but are now threatening to spoil the party with a bid of their own.

Karetsas, 17, was born in Belgium and played age-group football for the country before switching international allegiances to his parents' country of . He made his senior international debut in a Nations League play-off against in March, and scored in Greece's second-leg victory.

At club level, he made his senior Genk debut in May 2024 at the age of just 16. He has enjoyed further opportunities to impress this term, stepping up and playing 25 times after the sale of team-mate Bilal El-Khannouss to .

According to , Newcastle are ready to push through with a deal for Karetsas, who is reported to have a £35million release clause. United and Liverpool are also said to be keen, as are , , and .

Karetsas helped Genk top the regular season table in Belgium, and they remain out in 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 Gent.

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Karetsas, who was born in Genk, spent time in Anderlecht's academy before returning to his boyhood club in 2023. Upon signing his latest contract extension, he opened up on his reasons for agreeing a renewal.

“Genk is my home. I feel a lot of trust 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,” the young virtuoso ambitiously declares."

Head of football Dimitri de Conde was glowing in his praise. "We are thrilled with the confidence Kos places in our club," De Conde said. "Here, he can achieve success with the team and continue to grow in a familiar environment. As Technical Director, I couldn’t be more pleased with a player like Kos. He embodies the DNA of attractive, attacking football that we, as a club, stand for.”

Genk have brought through a number of future Premier League stars over the years. Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne began his career with the club, as did international colleagues including Christian Benteke, Thibaut Courtois and .

It's not just been about homegrown talents, though. Wilfred Ndidi made his professional debut with the club before joining current side City, while Aston Villa's Jamaican international Leon Bailey got his first taste of European football with the Belgian outfit.

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