Cercle Brugge have completed the signing of Nigerian winger Tunde Akinsola from Portuguese club AVS Futebol SAD.
The 23-year-old has agreed a contract with the Belgian Pro League side until June 2030, with Cercle Brugge holding an option to extend the deal by a further year.
Akinsola is expected to strengthen the club’s attacking options, with his pace, explosiveness and individual ability viewed as key assets. He can operate on either flank and is capable of playing in several attacking positions.
The winger will join up with his new team-mates once the remaining administrative formalities have been completed.
Cercle Brugge technical director Luciano Murchio said the club were convinced Akinsola’s qualities would suit their style of play.
“Tunde is a strong one-v-one player who can be very dangerous in the final third and in transition moments,” Murchio told Cercle Brugge’s official website.
“Thanks to his versatility, he can play across several attacking positions and adds extra quality to our offensive options.
“He is the type of attacker who fits the way Cercle wants to play, and we are convinced he will create many dangerous attacking moments.”
Akinsola started his career in Nigeria with Valiant FC before moving to Sweden as a teenager. He joined Vasalund at the age of 17, beginning his development in European football with the Swedish club.
His next move took him to Spain, where he signed for Real Valladolid in 2022. The forward initially played for the club’s reserve side before progressing to the first-team squad.
Akinsola made his La Liga debut the following year, appearing as a substitute against Sevilla.
He moved to Portugal at the beginning of 2024, joining AVS Futebol SAD on loan. The transfer was made permanent later in the same year, allowing him to continue his development with the Portuguese club.
During his time at AVS, Akinsola established himself as one of the side’s standout performers. His performances were built around his acceleration, technical ability and direct approach in attack.
Cercle Brugge will now hope those qualities can translate to the Belgian Pro League as Akinsola begins the next stage of his career.
The move gives the Belgian club a versatile attacking option under a long-term agreement, while Akinsola will continue his progress in Europe after spells in Sweden, Spain and Portugal.
By Adeboye Amosu