Former Nigeria U-17 star Samuel Akere saw his anticipated move to Belgian club Standard de Liège collapse at the final stages of the January transfer window due to Botev Plovdiv’s high asking price, Kick Off Nigeria has gathered.
Among the clubs interested in the Nigerian forward, Standard de Liège showed the strongest intent to secure his signature.
Failed Negotiations: Botev Plovdiv’s Price Tag Too High
Standard de Liège initially offered €600,000, but Botev Plovdiv rejected the bid. The Belgian side returned with an €800,000 offer, including additional performance-based bonuses, such as:
- Matches played
- Goals scored
- Team rankings
- Duels won as a starter
Despite this improved offer, negotiations stalled as Botev Plovdiv demanded €1 million for the 21-year-old. As a result, Akere’s scheduled medical examination was canceled, forcing him to return to the Bulgarian club instead of completing his move to Belgium.
Akere’s Impact at Botev Plovdiv
The former Nigeria U-17 standout was one of Botev Plovdiv’s key performers in 2024, impressing in the Bulgarian league, UEFA Europa League qualifiers, and the Bulgarian Cup. His contributions played a pivotal role in Botev Plovdiv’s League Cup triumph.
While the transfer to Standard de Liège did not materialize this time, Akere’s strong performances could attract renewed interest in the summer window.
