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Everton sign Orenuga

Everton sign Orenuga

Posted: 2009-03-02 20:43

Everton have beaten Manchester United to the signature of Nigerian-born teenager Femi Orenuga from Southend United.

Orenuga, who turns 16 this month, is the south east side's youngest ever player after he came on as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup last year.

The youngster has caught the eye of a whole host of Premier League sides, including European champions Manchester united, but has opted to join Everton at the end of the season.

Although no fee was mentioned, KickOffNigeria.com understands that the financial considerations are said to be in the region of £30,000 for the signing, another £50,000 if he makes a first team appearance and £3,000 for every game he plays for the Toffees.

The winger will sign an Academy scholarship with Everton on July 1.

However, he can play in games between now and the end of the season provided he signs a pre-registration form as agreed by the Premier League.

Orenuga revealed he had chosen to move to Everton ahead of other top clubs, including Manchester United where he had been on trials.

"I'm really excited about the move," he told the Southend website.

"When I went to Everton I saw how many youth players had gone through into the first team and I think I will have a better chance with them than some of the other sides who were interested.

"I will be sad to leave though as I have really enjoyed my time at Southend and Ricky Duncan and Luke Hobbs have really brought the best out of me."

Orenuga will continue to train with Southend United until the summer whilst he completes his GCSE's.

The youngster will join a large Nigerian contingent at Everton, which includes Joesph Yobo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Victor Anichebe and Hope Akpan.

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oscar : 2009-03-02 21:39

When Hope Akpan was signed, it was a big news here, what has happened afterwards? If anybody knows, I am really interested.

Why sign for a team that will not use you after they sign you? Or discover that you are surplus to requirement.

Sodium: 2009-03-03 09:02

Abule, do u know what you are talking about? for people to go and play in China, Qutar and Indonesia....do u know there ranking in FIFA list?????????
Femi is only 15 and I can say that because i know him and his family in London. Not everyone can make it at the top, e.g. Francis Jeffers, Robert Earnshaw, Ade Akinbiyi and the list goes on but, I wish him the best in his career and hope he make his dreams come true.

Austin: 2009-03-03 09:37

Mikel shunned ManU and we shouted. Today he has proven his worth though not to his full potential after a torrid time with Morinho. Akpan and the rest will have their time. They are still young.

Billion: 2009-03-03 11:41

The future is Femi's. He can play his way into the limelight if he'll pray and work hard. Nothing is impossible. I wish him well.

quadry: 2009-03-03 17:25

just found this at eurosport.com... is it just rumor or true..Hull and Wigan have been linked with Nigeria keeper and Football Manager favourite Vincent Enyeama.

The Hapoel Tel-Aviv shot-stopper, 26, has played in Israel for almost four seasons and is ready for a step up.

At 5'11" he would be the smallest keeper in the Premier League but what he lacks in height he makes up for in agility - and penalty-kick ability: Enyeama scored from the spot in Hapoel's 1-0 win over Bnei Sakhnin at the weekend.

The word.: 2009-03-04 03:02

I have been thinking about this for sometime now. Why our best keepers presently are all playing in Israel?

And as for Femi, people have said it all, he still young and wait for his time. I beleive no team want to buy any player just to keep him on the bench or resever forever. I want to believe they[Everton] do have plan for him and some other young player they had bought.

jon: 2009-03-04 04:20

@Prince, you are entitle to your substandard opinions. Even if Mikel was your gay wife you still don't have the right to insult another for their comments. Criticize in a civil manner. Of course we know your mamma didn't teach you that. In correcting your misguided view of soccer, I can kick ***** and especially yours.

If I was not a professional in my career (healthcare) soccer was my other option careerwise. I still play the game from elementary school through graduate level. And in reference to the holding midfielder argument, Mikel game still remains underdeveloped. While Mikel might be better than your entire family and generation, he his my least favorite midfielder in the entire Nigerian football history.

While fools always have something to say does not mean that you have to say something. Was Oliseh not playing the same role at his prime? Your Mikel is a lame player personally and professionally. If you want to have a civil discourse that I can do with you but this childish rhetoric of yours needs to be proned.