On trial Lillestroem Nigerian forward Jerome Philip did sign professional terms for MLS side New York Red Bulls ( NYRB) before heading for trials with Lillestroem accordingly to his Nigerian Intermediary Babawo Mohammed.
Babawo made this known in an exclusive interview with Owngoalnigeria.com, but the Jos based agent also said he coordinated the transfer without knowledge that the player is no longer a player for Gee-Lec Football Academy.
According to Babawo, Jerome was initially transferred on loan to Yobe Stars and as at when he signed terms for New York Red Bulls, the Nigeria Professional Football League side have already turned his loan deal into a permanent one.
” It was a mistake on my part and we are working real hard to clear it up. So far we have made progress as all party involved are willing to reach a peaceful compromise “, Babawo told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” I have spoken with Yobe Stars about the mix up and I particularly begged them to let the young man join New York Red Bulls, but they are not Interested in letting him go to the MLS. My hands are tied.
” He is a player of Yobe Desert Stars, you can check it out with the Nigeria Football Federation. They own his economic right. On the Domestic Transfer Matching System (DTMS) of the NFF Jerome is registered as a player of Yobe Stars not Gee-Lec Academy.
” Already I have spoken with my partner Atta Aneke, who has also opened a line of discussion with the agent that brought the deal from New York Red Bulls. Soon a compromise would be reached, and in the future we can still do more even if this doesn’t work”, the soft spoken Babawo concluded.
Lanky Jerome has been very impressive in his trials with Lillestroem, and he is currently the only Nigerian left among the four that came for trails at the club. A testament of the quality he possesses.
Yesterday he picked up two assists in their 4-1 friendly win over Sogndal after coming on as a substitute in what was his second game for the team. In his first game he scored a brilliant solo goal and made the homepage of the official website of the club.
Although Owngoalnigeria.com reported that he has signed for the Norwegian side, his agent Atta Aneke confirmed that he is still on trial and no decision has been made yet on his potential signing for the club.
Aneke also confirmed that Lillestroem double checked with the NFF, and were told Jerome belonged to Yobe Desert Stars before they agreed to have him on trials at the club.
Daniel Martins
