Cercle Brugge have strengthened their attacking department with the arrival of Nigerian winger Tunde Akinsola, who has completed a switch from Portuguese outfit AVS Futebol SAD to the Belgian Pro League side.

The versatile 23-year-old, comfortable operating from either flank, has put pen to paper on a deal running until June 2030, with a clause allowing for a further year’s extension.

Club officials are counting on his pace and directness to add depth to their forward line once he completes the necessary paperwork and formally joins his new teammates.

Cercle Brugge’s technical director, Luciano Murchio, spoke highly of the winger’s qualities following the announcement, describing him as a player capable of causing problems for defenders in one-on-one situations and during quick transitions.

Murchio pointed to Akinsola’s flexibility across multiple attacking roles as a key asset, expressing confidence that the Nigerian would suit the club’s attacking philosophy and contribute to creating scoring opportunities.

Akinsola’s path to Belgian football has taken him through several countries. He started out at Nigerian club Valiant FC before relocating to Sweden at 17 to join Vasalund.

His career then progressed to Spain, where he signed for Real Valladolid in 2022, beginning with the club’s reserve side before working his way up to the senior squad.

He went on to make his first-team La Liga appearance the following year, entering as a substitute in a match against Sevilla.

His most recent stop before Belgium was Portugal, joining AVS Futebol SAD on loan in early 2024, a move that became permanent later that same year.