Cercle Brugge have completed the permanent signing of Nigerian winger Tunde Akinsola. The 23-year-old attacker joins from Portuguese side AVS Futebol SAD, putting pen to paper on a contract until June 2030 with an option for a further year.

The club, currently sitting 14th in the Jupiler Pro League with just two points from four matches, is in desperate need of attacking reinforcement. Cercle have scored only five goals in their opening four league games and failed to find the net in their last two outings. Akinsola's arrival is intended to address that issue, especially with Joel Ndala currently sidelined.

Why did Akinsola choose Cercle Brugge?

According to a report from soccernet.ng this week, there was concrete interest from England, France, and Italy for the Nigerian. Blackburn Rovers, of the English Championship, even submitted a formal bid. But Akinsola and his advisors deliberately chose Belgium. Manji Jpahhet, an official at Lagos academy Valiant Football Club where Akinsola began his career, explained the decision. "There was interest from clubs in England, France and Italy, but Belgium was agreed as the best place for him," Jpahhet said.

The length of the contract was a significant factor in the consideration. "He signed a four-year deal with Cercle Brugge, which is a good move for him because of the plans the club have for him," Jpahhet added. The option for a fifth year offers stability and fits a long-term project, he noted.

What does Akinsola bring to the Jan Breydel Stadium?

Akinsola arrives from AVS Futebol SAD, who finished bottom of Liga Portugal last season and were relegated. For the Portuguese club, he made 91 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists. In his most recent campaign, he featured in 34 league matches, registering one goal and four assists.

Jpahhet describes him as a fast, direct, and pacy attacking player. "He can take on defenders, create chances for teammates, and score goals," he said. Akinsola is versatile enough to operate on either flank, giving manager Miron Muslic tactical options. His speed and dribbling ability are meant to inject life into Green-Black's often static attack.

How does he fit into the senior squad?

Cercle Brugge are in a difficult position after four matchdays. With a goal difference of -2 and trailing leaders Union St. Gilloise by eleven points, there is work to do. The attack has struggled to score, making the addition of a player like Akinsola particularly important.

He will compete with the other wingers in the squad, which you can view on our squad page. His directness and ability in one-on-one situations are qualities currently lacking. He is expected to get playing time quickly, potentially in the next away fixture against OH Leuven on September 12. That opponent sits 17th in the standings, presenting an opportunity for points.

What does this mean for his international career?

Akinsola last played international football for Nigeria's under-17 side in 2018, earning four caps. He remains uncapped at senior level. A strong spell in the Jupiler Pro League, a league closely watched by scouts, could change that. Other Nigerians like Raphael Onyedika at Club Brugge and Christian Akpan at Genk have already proven Belgium can be a good springboard.

For Cercle, the transfer is a statement. It shows the club can be attractive to young talent, even when bigger leagues are calling. The focus now is on integration and first minutes. Akinsola's contract with Cercle Brugge runs at least until the summer of 2030.