Cercle Brugge complete €600,000 move for Ireland and Nigeria defender Tayo Adaramola

Ireland and Nigeria left-back Tayo Adaramola has joined Cercle Brugge from Crystal Palace Under-21s in a €600,000 transfer.

The 22-year-old has signed a contract with the Belgian club until 30 June 2030, completing the move on 17 August 2026. He will play in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League after leaving Palace’s Premier League 2 side.

Adaramola is a left-footed defender who operates primarily at left-back. Born in Dublin, he came through Crystal Palace’s youth system after joining the club’s academy, progressing from the under-18s to the under-23s before representing Palace Under-21s.

He made 45 appearances in Premier League 2, scoring once and providing five assists. His record also includes experience in England’s senior divisions, with appearances in the Championship, League One and League Two.

Adaramola spent part of the 2025-26 season away from Palace. He joined Leyton Orient on loan in July 2025 before returning to Palace Under-21s in January 2026, and subsequently moved to Sheffield Wednesday on loan in February. He returned to Palace at the end of the season after Sheffield Wednesday’s relegation from the Championship.

The defender had previously gained senior experience through loan spells with Coventry, Stockport, Bradford and Belgian side RWDM. His spell with RWDM gave him an earlier introduction to football in Belgium, although his move to Cercle Brugge represents a separate transfer from Palace Under-21s.

Adaramola’s youth career also included success in the Premier League International Cup, which he won during his time with Crystal Palace’s development ranks. He has played across a range of English competitions, including the FA Cup, EFL Cup and EFL Trophy, adding to his experience outside youth football.

Cercle Brugge have now secured the services of a defender with a background in both England’s academy system and senior league football. Adaramola’s arrival also marks a return to Belgium, where he previously spent time with RWDM during the 2023-24 season.

The move sees Adaramola leave Crystal Palace’s development set-up after several loan assignments and begin the next stage of his career with Cercle Brugge on a contract running through June 2030.