Benjamin Tanimu's transfer to Crawley Town from Black Stars seems to have divided the club's fanbase.
Crawley Town Football Club have announced the signing of Nigerian defender Benjamin Tanimu from Tanzanian Premier League side Singida Black Stars.
The 22-year-old has penned a two-year contract with the English club for an undisclosed fee, marking a significant step in his burgeoning career.
08:25 - 04.09.2024
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From Benin City to Crawley
Born and raised in the ancient city of Benin, Tanimu's football journey began in the local clubs of Benin City, where he went on to hone his skills at Bendel Insurance.
His talent didn't go unnoticed for long, as he soon caught the eye of the Nigerian national team, representing his country on several occasions. This experience at the international level has undoubtedly contributed to his appeal for Crawley Town.
The transfer has taken many by surprise, with fans expressing a mix of excitement and disbelief.
One supporter exclaimed, "Holy shit it wasn't a scam," reflecting the unexpected nature of the signing. Another fan described it as an "Exciting signing. Holy moly," underscoring the buzz generated by Tanimu's arrival.
While the official transfer fee remains undisclosed, speculation is rife about the financial details of the deal. One fan suggests a figure of "£650k," with the commenter adding, "If Singida reports are true!"
This has led to playful responses, with one fan quipping, "2.3B Tanzanian Shillings down the drain Tanimu scores again," humorously referencing the potential transfer fee in the Tanzanian currency.
Strategic Recruitment
The signing has been praised as a shrewd move by Crawley Town. One observer noted, "Interesting signing. ESC quota being used by Crawley Town. Brave recruitment."
This comment likely refers to the club's strategy in navigating post-Brexit transfer regulations, which have made it more challenging for English clubs to sign European players.
The excitement surrounding Tanimu's arrival is palpable, with other supporters already predicting great things. One fan boldly claimed, "This will probably be up there with one of Scott's best signings," referring to the club's recruitment strategy under their current management.
Looking Ahead
As Tanimu prepares to join his new teammates in the coming weeks, anticipation is building among the Crawley Town faithful. The young Nigerian defender will be looking to make an immediate impact and justify the club's faith in his abilities.
With this signing, Crawley Town has not only strengthened their squad but also demonstrated their ambition and willingness to look beyond traditional recruitment markets.
But before the club and fans get a first look at their new star, Tanimu is currently on an international break with the Super Eagles after his late call-up as a replacement for Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel.
The defender who made his debut under former boss Finidi George will be hoping to get a starting berth under interim boss Augustine Eguaveon as Nigeria looks to bounce back to winning ways.