Adedire Mebude Explained

Adedire Mebude
Fullname:Adedire Emmanuel Awokoya-Mebude
Birth Date:28 May 2004
Birth Place:London, England
Height:1.89 m
Currentclub:Westerlo
Position:Forward
Youthyears1:2014–2020
Youthclubs1:Rangers
Youthyears2:2020–2023
Youthclubs2:Manchester City
Years1:2023–
Clubs1:Westerlo
Caps1:7
Goals1:1
Years2:2024
Clubs2:Bristol City (loan)
Caps2:3
Goals2:0
Nationalyears1:2019–2020
Nationalteam1:Scotland U16
Nationalcaps1:4
Nationalgoals1:1
Nationalyears2:2022–
Nationalteam2:Scotland U19
Nationalcaps2:8
Nationalgoals2:1
Nationalyears3:2023–
Nationalteam3:Scotland U21
Nationalcaps3:6
Nationalgoals3:1
Club-Update:1 February 2024

Adedire Emmanuel Awokoya-Mebude (born 28 May 2004) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Challenger Pro League club Belgian Pro League club K.V.C. Westerlo. Born in England, he grew up in Scotland and like his older brother Dapo Mebude he is an under-21 international for Scotland.

Club career

Mebude joined the Scottish side Rangers at the age of ten, progressing through the academy before rejecting the offer of a contract at the age of sixteen.[1] In September 2020, he joined the academy of Premier League side Manchester City.[2] [3] He signed his first professional contract with Manchester City in July 2021.[4]

In August 2022, renewed contract talks between Mebude and Manchester City reportedly stalled, with fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur linked with a move for the player, as well as PSV Eindhoven and Club Brugge.[5] [6]

On 26 July 2023, Medube made a transfer from Manchester City to KVC Westerlo for a reported fee of up to £1.65m.[7] He made his competitive debut on 6 August 2023, coming off the bench in a 1–0 against Club Brugge.

On 1 February 2024, Medube signed for EFL Championship club Bristol City on loan until the end of the season.[8] He made his first appearance as a substitute in Bristol City's 3-1 win at home to Southampton.[9]

International career

Mebude has represented Scotland at youth international levels up to the U21s. He is also eligible to represent England and Nigeria.

Style of play

Described by Manchester City as a "skilful forward with blistering pace", Mebude is renowned for his goalscoring ability, and was named academy player's player of the year for the 2021–22 season.[10] [11] [12] [13]

Personal life

Mebude is the brother of fellow professional footballer Dapo Mebude.[4]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Manchester City U212021–221010
2022–232020
K.V.C. Westerlo2023–24Belgian Pro League30000030
Bristol City (loan)2023–24EFL Championship10000010
Career total4000003070
Notes

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Who is Adedire Mebude? 18-year-old who left Rangers now shining with Spurs reportedly interested. Billy. Meyers. 29 December 2022. 18 February 2023. hitc.com.
  2. Web site: Manchester City sign Rangers youngster Dire Mebude. Christopher. Jack. 29 September 2020. 18 February 2023. heraldscotland.com.
  3. Web site: Rangers turn a profit as Manchester City sign up prospect Dire Mebude. David. Oliver. 30 September 2020. 18 February 2023. scotsman.com.
  4. Web site: Dire Mebude signs first professional contract at Manchester City after leaving Rangers. Daniel. Caw. 9 July 2021. 18 February 2023. glasgowlive.co.uk.
  5. Web site: Tottenham join Adedire Mebude transfer race as Man City contract talks stall. Nizaar. Kinsella. 31 August 2022. 18 February 2023. standard.co.uk.
  6. Web site: Ornstein: Transfer deadline guide, Pepe's 25% pay cut, Premier League's plane shortage. David. Ornstein. 29 August 2022. 18 February 2023. theathletic.com. A younger player attracting a lot of interest as we edge towards deadline day is Manchester City prospect Adedire Mebude. PSV Eindhoven and Club Bruges are both believed to be among the teams who have enquired about his availability..
  7. Web site: Rangers set to land fee as Dire Mebude nears Manchester City exit. Aidan. Smith. 26 July 2023. 7 August 2023. theheraldscotland.com. Mebude's form has caught the eye and he is now set to sign for Belgian club Westerlo in a deal worth up to £1.65m..
  8. News: Bristol City sign teenage winger Mebude on loan . 2024-02-01 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  9. https://x.com/BristolCity/status/1757520936620736569?s=20
  10. Web site: Adedire Mebude. 18 February 2023. mancity.com.
  11. Web site: Quintet recognised at Academy Player of the Year awards. Neil. Leigh. 12 May 2022. 18 February 2023. mancity.com.
  12. Web site: Exciting Man City youngster Dire Mebude told how he can get even better. Daniel. Murphy. 16 August 2022. 18 February 2023. manchestereveningnews.co.uk.
  13. Web site: PL2 : Red-hot Mebude at the double for Manchester City in 6-0 rout of Arsenal. Ifeanyi. Emmanuel. 8 January 2023. 18 February 2023. allnigeriasoccer.com.