Standard Liege are closing on the signing of Southampton’s Kazeem Olaigbe as talks with Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League 2 starlet Romaine Mundle stall.
The Belgian outfit have already snapped up Isaac Price from Everton this summer. And with both Olaigbe and Mundle on their radar too, it appears that Standard Liege are determined to make a name for themselves as a useful landing spot for first-team-hungry youngsters frustrated with their lack of senior action on English soil.
Talks between Standard and 20-year-old Romaine Mundle have stalled, however.
Mundle, who’s Tottenham Hotspur contract expires at the end of this month, made a visit to Belgium a few weeks ago but is now leaning towards a move to the Netherlands instead. Mundle could follow in the footsteps of former Spurs starlet and Eredivisie export Noni Madueke at an FC Utrecht side who agreed a deal with Manchester United to bring in Zidane Iqbal in midweek.
But while the football gods taketh away, they also giveth.
Tottenham and Southampton losing exciting attackers
Olaigbe, another 20-year-old forward, is on his way to Liege. La Derniere Heure report that Olaigbe will sign an initial three year deal with an option for a fourth.
Formerly of Anderlecht and capped by Belgium at U20 level, Olaigbe has not made a single first-team appearance for recently-relegated Southampton but dazzled during a loan spell at Harrogate Town in the second half of 2022/23.
“I was very impressed with Kazeem,” Harrogate boss Simon Weaver told the Yorkshire Post; the stylish forward ending with three goals and five assists in 19 League One appearances.
“He got on the front foot. He was strong and showed great ability.”
It remains to be seen if Olaigbe is viewed as an alternative to Mundle, or whether the two deals are unconnected.
Standard Liege coach Geoffrey Valenne, meanwhile, was delighted by the confirmation of Price’s arrival earlier in the month. Like Mundle, Price opted against signing a new deal in the Premier League. He struggled to force his way into Everton’s first-team plans despite the admiration of ex-Toffees boss Frank Lampard.
“He has chose Standard to pursue his career and reach a new level,” explains Valenne. “Isaac was seduced by our project. (He) is delighted to put his qualities at the service of the Rouches.”
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