Spanish La Liga club Villarreal CF have signed Beninese striker Merveille Akinocho from Nigerian football academy Beyond Limits on a long-term contract.

The Ikenne-based academy announced the transfer on Tuesday, November 3, describing it as a major step in the 18-year-old forward’s career.

“From Beyond Limits to the Yellow Submarine. Merveille Akinocho has officially signed for Spanish side Villarreal CF on a long-term deal,” the academy announced.

Akinocho will initially join Villarreal’s Under-19 team, where he is expected to continue his development and adapt to European football before seeking opportunities with the club’s senior side.

According to reports, the Spanish club had monitored the striker before his 18th birthday, but the move was delayed until he reached the required age under regulations governing international transfers of underage players.

During his spell at Beyond Limits, Akinocho featured in the Creative Championship League, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists last season.

He also helped the Nigerian academy win the Creative Championship, TCC Cup and TCC Super Cup.

The forward’s move represents another opportunity for a player developed in Nigeria to progress into European football.