Slovak Super Liga side AS Trenčín have reached an agreement with Nigerian academy Golden Boots Soccer Academy for the transfer of highly-rated midfielder Habila Simeon, Footy-Africa can exclusively report.
The agreement comes after weeks of negotiations between the two clubs, with sources telling Footy-Africa that talks gathered momentum in recent days before both parties reached a breakthrough.
Although the transfer has now been agreed, the 17-year-old will officially sign his professional contract when he turns 18 in September, in line with international transfer regulations.
Habila is regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest young prospects and recently earned the captaincy of the country’s Under-20 national team following a series of impressive performances.
The attacking midfielder is currently in Ivory Coast with the Flying Eagles for the ongoing WAFU B U-20 Championship, where he has already featured in victories over Ghana and Togo as Nigeria moved closer to the knockout stages.
AS Trenčín open talks to sign Nigeria U-20 captain Habila Simeon
Despite attracting interest from several European clubs, Trenčín moved decisively to secure the youngster’s signature, with the Slovak club confident throughout negotiations that an agreement could be reached with Golden Boots Soccer Academy.
The transfer further strengthens the long-standing relationship between Trenčín and Golden Boots Soccer Academy, one of Nigeria’s most respected talent development centres.
Golden Boots Soccer Academy has produced several players who have represented Nigeria at various age-group levels, while its partnership with Trenčín has already facilitated a number of successful transfers.
Among the most notable is Sani Suleiman, who joined the Slovak club from Golden Boots Soccer Academy before earning a move to German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
Habila is expected to follow a similar development pathway, with those close to the player believing Trenčín provides the ideal environment for him to continue his growth in European football.
For now, however, the teenager’s immediate focus remains on helping Nigeria challenge for the WAFU B U-20 Championship before completing the next chapter of his career in Slovakia later this year.
