Nigeria: Barcelona miss out as Zulte Waregem complete Musa deal

Zulte Waregem have beaten Barcelona and several other European clubs to the signing of Nigerian winger Musa Maliq Omotayo, Soccernet.ng reports.

Still awaiting official confirmation, Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri reveals that the deal was completed after the 18-year-old passed his medical.

Omotayo, who turned 18 on Monday, 17 August, is joining the Belgian Pro League side from Ikorodu City. His move became possible after he reached the legal age to sign a professional contract in Europe.

Musa Omotayo: Waregem beat Barcelona

Barcelona had planned to assess the youngster in trials this summer, but Zulte Waregem moved first after inviting him to Belgium for a trial. He impressed the club's coaching staff and was offered a contract, with Waregem completing the deal before the Spanish champions could take their planned next step.

Omotayo came through Ikorodu City's academy before earning his first professional contract in August 2025. The Lagos club promoted him alongside four other academy players ahead of the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

His senior breakthrough included a goal in Ikorodu City's 4-2 defeat by Niger Tornadoes in Minna on 21 September 2025. He scored three minutes after half-time to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Omotayo also featured in Ikorodu City's 1-0 home win over Bendel Insurance in October 2025. The young winger's rapid rise has now taken him from the NPFL to Belgian football, with Zulte Waregem securing a prospect Barcelona had also planned to examine.