Transfers: Ligue 1’s Lorient agree to let Nigerian star move to Belgium

One of the three Nigerian footballers at the French club will take the exit door out of the Stade de Moustoir as he seeks first-team chances elsewhere

Ligue 1 side FC Lorient have concluded plans to send Nigerian forward Taofeek Ajibade Ismaheel on loan to Belgian second division outfit Waasland-Beveren for the 2022/23 campaign.

Ismaheel joined Lorient early in the year, just before the start of the second half of the season, from Norwegian club Fredrikstad.

But the 22-year-old was immediately loaned out to Valerenga, where he made nine league appearances before returning to France.

Following the departure of head coach Christophe Pélissier, Lorient has appointed Régis Le Bris as manager.

The French tactician has been running the rule over Ismaheel during the preseason, alongside compatriots striker Terem Moffi and midfielder Innocent Bonke.

According to authoritative French publication L'Equipe, Régis Le Bris has decided that the young Nigerian attacker is not ready yet for first-team action.

And intending to cut down the size of the squad at his disposal before the end of the month, the 46-year-old manager have sanctioned a move to Belgium for the youngster.

Ismaheel will team up with Waasland-Beveren for the rest of the campaign.

The former Skeid ace is, however, expected back at the Stade de Moustoir in 2023, as Lorient have not included an option to buy the player in the loan agreement with the Belgian side.

Ismaheel is yet to play a competitive match for Lorient.