The 21-year-old Beninese striker is a rising star of South American soccer. During the 2021 Venezuelan Premier Division season, he scored 18 goals in 34 combined appearances across the regular season and playoffs as Caracas – the country’s most successful club – went all the way to the final before eventually losing to Deportivo Tachira.
Akinyoola – who had a previous spell with Slovakian top-flight side FK Senica – also chipped in with six assists, while he found the net twice in four Copa Libertadores matches.
Nicknamed the ‘Bison’ for his broad physique, Akinyoola is strong and surprisingly explosive given his large frame and lack of height.
He’s also skillful and clinical in front of goal, with all these attributes combining to earn him nominations for the Liga FUTVE ‘Best Foreigner’, ‘Player of the Season’, and ‘Revelation Player of the Season’ awards. He won those first two gongs and Akinyoola was also named in the Liga FUTVE Team of the Week 10 times in 2021.
?Our 2021 Player of the Year!?
Samson Akinyoola made a phenomenal impact on Venezuelan football this season, becoming the first Caracas player to finish top scorer since 99/00 (J Garcia) & the first foreigner to finish top scorer in their first season since 09/10 (N Cabrera). pic.twitter.com/kl2mYpCzO7
— FUTVE English (@FUTVEEnglish) December 13, 2021
Though no bid has been put forward yet, three unnamed MLS clubs have Akinyoola on their shortlist, as well as a number of Liga MX clubs. Caracas are thought to value him at $1.5m.
His age would qualify him for the MLS U-22 Initiative, meaning clubs could sign him to the sort of contract often demanded by a clinical striker at a reduced budget charge.
For an MLS club to sign Akinyoola, they would have to first put him on the discovery list. Interest remains high and will only continue to rise as the January transfer window approaches.
