Barcelona Stunned as Zulte Waregem Snaps Up Musa

Belgian club Zulte Waregem has successfully secured the signing of talented Nigerian winger Musa Maliq Omotayo, reportedly outmaneuvering several other European clubs, including Barcelona. The deal for the 18-year-old, which saw him pass his medical tests and begin training with the Belgian Pro League side, was confirmed by Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri. Omotayo, who turned 18 on August 17, officially joined Zulte Waregem from Ikorodu City, with his move to Europe becoming possible after he reached the legal age required to sign a professional contract.

FC Barcelona had previously shown interest in Omotayo, planning to invite him for trials during the summer. However, Zulte Waregem acted swiftly and decisively. They invited the young winger to Belgium for a trial, where he impressed the club's coaching staff. This quick action allowed Waregem to offer him a contract and finalize the transfer, completing the deal before the Spanish champions could proceed with their intended assessment.

Musa Omotayo's football journey began in the academy system of Ikorodu City. He secured his first professional contract in August 2025 when the Lagos-based club promoted him, alongside four other academy players, to their senior squad for the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. His senior breakthrough included scoring a goal in Ikorodu City's 4-2 defeat against Niger Tornadoes on September 21, 2025, just three minutes into the second half. He also featured in Ikorodu City's 1-0 home victory over Bendel Insurance in October 2025. This rapid rise has now propelled the promising winger from the NPFL to European football, with Zulte Waregem successfully acquiring a talent that had also drawn the attention of Barcelona's boss, Hansi Flick.