Rizespor have signed former Manchester City youth player Adedire Mebude from Belgian side Westerlo. The 21-year-old right winger agreed to a four-and-a-half-year deal. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said all documents were signed today through the player’s agent, David Moss.
The move ends recent talk about Mebude’s future. Turkish reports had linked Rizespor with him for days. They made an official offer last week to replace the spot left by Hamidullah Rak-Sakyi, whose loan ended. Mebude stood out as a target because of his speed and ability to play on the wing.
Mebude came up through Manchester City’s academy. He joined their youth setup as a teenager and scored regularly for the under-18s and under-21s.
He never made a senior appearance for City but showed promise with his direct running and eye for goal. In 2023, he moved to Westerlo on a permanent basis. The Belgian club gave him his first regular first-team football.
At Westerlo, Mebude has played mostly as a right winger. He stands at 1.79 metres and uses his pace to beat defenders. This season, he appeared in several Pro League games and picked up some assists.
His contract there runs until 2027, so Westerlo will get a fee, though no one has said how much yet. His market value sits around €700,000 to €1 million, based on recent estimates.
Rizespor sit in the middle of the Turkish Super Lig table. They want to add attacking options in this January window. Manager Recep Uçar has spoken about needing more depth on the wings.
Mebude fits that need. He can start games or come off the bench. The longer contract shows the club sees him as part of their plans for years ahead.
The player was born in London in May 2004. He has Nigerian roots but plays for Scotland at youth level. His brother, Dapo Mebude, is also a professional footballer. Adedire has represented Scotland’s under-21s and scored in qualifiers. A strong spell in Turkey could help his chances of a senior call-up.
This transfer takes Mebude to his third professional club. He leaves Belgium after building experience there. The Turkish league is competitive, with bigger crowds and more attention. Rizespor play at home in front of passionate fans, and the step up should suit a young player looking to grow.
No official announcement has come from the clubs yet. That usually follows soon after documents are done. Medical checks should happen in the next few days if they haven’t already. Mebude could be available for Rizespor’s next match, depending on registration.
Fans in Turkey seem pleased with the news. Many see him as an exciting addition who brings youth and flair. Westerlo supporters will miss him, but the move makes sense for his career.
Overall, this looks like a solid piece of business for Rizespor. They get a talented young winger with room to improve. Mebude gets a new challenge in a different league. It will be interesting to see how he settles in and performs once he starts playing.
