Promising Nigerian defender Godwin Raphael Itotomi has completed a move to French Ligue 2 club Stade de Reims after impressing during a successful trial with the French side, Footynaija.com reports.
The 18-year-old centre-back joins Les Rouges et Blancs from Ogun State-based Grassrunners FC on a season-long loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent.
According to the French outfit, he will begin life in France with Reims Revelations, the club’s development squad, as he adapts to European football.
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Rather than arriving through a conventional transfer, Itotomi earned his opportunity by catching the eye during a trial at the Raymond Kopa Training Centre. The towering defender delivered assured performances in friendly matches against Paris Saint-Germain’s U19 side and Eintracht Frankfurt, convincing the coaching staff to offer him a contract.
He also impressed while training with Reims’ reserve setup, further strengthening the club’s belief that he possesses the qualities to develop through the ranks and eventually challenge for senior-team opportunities.
Before making the move abroad, Itotomi captained Grassrunners FC and enjoyed an impressive campaign in the N-Youth League Cup, scoring four goals in 22 appearances despite operating at the heart of the defence.
This particular transfer marks another important step in the teenager’s career as the highly rated young defender looks to establish himself in French football. With a permanent transfer clause included in the agreement, Itotomi now has the chance to turn an impressive trial into a long-term stay at Stade de Reims.
