It is quite a big jump of quality for Toluwalase Arokodare. The 19-years old striker joins 1.FC Köln on loan from Latvian club Valmieras FK.
Tolu has been in terrific form for the Latvian side in 2020. His 15 goals in league play is the highest in the division, helping Valmiera to third in the Optibet Virsliga.
In the previous months, Tolu had been strongly linked with a move outside Latvia as there where many clubs interested in the teenager. Anderlecht were believed to be leading the race for his signature which makes his move to the Bundesliga all the more surprising.
The move to Anderlecht fell through after both clubs involved failed to come to an agreement on a fee. A frustrated Tolu went on strike and missed one game for his employers.
It looked like he’d put his transfer saga behind as he celebrated winning the Virsliga player of the month for August, his second consecutive award having won that of July.
FC Köln announced their latest signing on their official website and social media pages.
Speaking on his big loan move the young striker fired his ambition to further improve his game with the German side.
“For me, it is a dream come true. I have always wanted to play in the Bundesliga. For FC Köln, I want to score many goals and develop myself further. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Toluwalase Arokodare joined Valmiera FK in July 2019 alongside two other Nigerians from Box To Box Academy in Lagos. In what was his first taste of professional football he registered 7 goals in sixteen appearances. His 15 league goals this season comes from just 16 games.
“Tolu is a young striker who has the potential to develop and brings many good qualities: he is athletic, good in the air and fast. Naturally, he will have to get used to the Bundesliga level. However, there is the advantage that he is already at match fitness and comes to us fully motivated. Cologne’s managing director, Horst Heldt said.
After half the season in Latvia, Toluwalase Arokodare will start the new season in Germany with Köln.
