Fast-rising former Golden Eaglets’ invitee, Tolu Arokodare has gained a surprise summer transfer to FC Cologne of Germany on the strength of his youthfulness and potentials to keep growing in years to come, according to the German Bundesliga club’s managing director, Horst Heldt.
Speaking in the wake of the confirmation of Arokodare as the latest Nigerian to sign for Cologne, after Sunday Ogorchukwu Oliseh, Dennis Aogo, Anthony Ujah and Kingsley Ehizibue, Heldt said the in-form striker, who arrives from Valmiera FC, will continue to develop into a very lethal and matured hitman.
He added that Cologne already have a growth plan for the 19-year-old Arokadare, who has also previously played for Kash Academy, International Academy and Box-2-Box FC of Lagos, even as the youngster, who was born in FESTAC Town and stands at 1.97m tall, will only play on loan till the end of this season.
Heldt expatiated, saying: “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.”
After taking a tour of the club’s training ground, following his contract signing and official unveiling, Arokodare said he was very excited to join Köln and the 19-year-old striker, who scored 15 goals in 16 games in the Virsliga since the league began in June, disclosed that he always had a strong ambition of playing in the German Bundesliga.
Arokodare, who ws top of the Virsliga highest goals scorers’ chart before moving to Cologne, retorted: “I have always wanted to play in the Bundesliga. I want to score many goals and develop myself further. For me, it is a dream come true. I’m really looking forward to it.”
