Zulte Waregem sign Omotayo after beating Barcelona to his signature
Maliq Omotayo, a promising Nigerian winger, has joined Belgian club Zulte Waregem from Ikorodu City. The teenager attracted interest from several European clubs, including Barcelona, but Zulte Waregem secured his signature after a successful trial. Omotayo made a strong impression in the Nigeria Premier Football League and is set to continue his development in Belgium. He will start with the club’s U23 side before aiming for a spot in the senior team.
Match highlights
- Maliq Omotayo became eligible to sign a professional contract in Europe after attaining the age of majority on Monday, August 17.
- Zulte Waregem completed the signing after Omotayo passed his medical and impressed during trials.
- Barcelona had shown interest in Omotayo and planned to assess him, but Zulte Waregem acted faster.
- Omotayo made nine appearances for Ikorodu City in the 2025/26 season, scoring once and providing one assist.
- He will initially join Jong Essevee, Zulte Waregem’s U23 team, to adapt to Belgian football before targeting the senior squad.
