Maliq Omotayo: Zulte Waregem beat Barca to sign Nigerian

Belgian Pro League club Zulte Waregem have completed the signing of Nigerian teenage winger Maliq Omotayo from Ikorodu City, beating competition from several European clubs, including Barcelona, for his signature, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri reported on Tuesday that the Belgian club had completed the deal after Omotayo successfully passed his medical.

The 18-year-old became eligible to sign a professional contract in Europe after attaining the age of majority on Monday, August 17.

Zulte Waregem had been monitoring Omotayo’s progress at Ikorodu City before inviting him to Belgium for a trial. He impressed the club’s coaching staff during the assessment and was subsequently offered a contract.

Barcelona had also shown interest in the youngster and planned to assess him during trials this summer, but Zulte Waregem moved quicker to secure his services.

Omotayo leaves Ikorodu City after making his breakthrough in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign. He made nine appearances, including six starts, scoring once and providing one assist while averaging 71.4 minutes per game.

The winger also played a role in Ikorodu City’s run to the President Federation Cup final, further showcasing the attacking qualities that attracted interest from European scouts.

Omotayo developed at Lagos-based Imperial FC in The Creative Championship before making the step up to NPFL football, where his pace, creativity and work rate helped him establish himself as one of Ikorodu City’s promising young talents.

He is expected to initially join Jong Essevee, Zulte Waregem’s U23 side, where he will continue his development and adapt to Belgian football before pushing for a place in the senior team.

The move represents a major step in Omotayo’s career, with the teenager now set to continue his development in Europe after a promising breakthrough season in Nigerian football.