Nigerian teenager Hazeem Bakre, cousin of Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman, has opened up on why he chose to sign for Middlesbrough despite receiving interest from Reading and Blackburn Rovers. The 19 year old striker, who signed his first professional deal with Boro ahead of the 2024/25 season, cited the club’s proven track record of promoting academy players to the senior team as a key factor in his decision.
“Before I went to Middlesbrough, there was interest from Reading, Blackburn, and a few other clubs,” Bakre revealed. “But I chose Middlesbrough because they showed great interest in me. You can see over the years that Middlesbrough likes to push players from the academy to the first team.”
Bakre’s journey began in grassroots football in Peckham before he was scouted by Brighton, where he spent two years. He later joined Huddersfield Town and became their U18 top scorer for two straight seasons but was not offered a professional contract due to non-footballing reasons. He then joined Middlesbrough after impressing in a showcase match with Onside Academy.
The promising forward was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month in November 2024, having scored three goals in two games. Though he didn’t win the award, Bakre says it remains the highlight of his season and a reflection of his progress.
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Bakre has expressed willingness to represent Nigeria at U20 level if invited by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Editorial
Hazeem Bakre is not just another academy talent he is a symbol of the growing wave of dual-national players with roots in Nigeria and dreams shaped by Europe. His decision to choose Middlesbrough over other suitors like Reading and Blackburn highlights a young player thinking long-term, prioritising development over prestige.
In an era where flashy moves often overshadow the need for consistent minutes and growth, Bakre’s path offers a breath of fresh air. Middlesbrough’s track record in transitioning youth to senior football is proven, and it’s clear the club sees him as a real asset. For Nigeria, his openness to don the green-and-white shirt should ring alarm bells in a good way.
With Ademola Lookman as his cousin and inspiration, Bakre has a strong footballing lineage. But now, it’s his time to carve out a name of his own. And if his current trajectory continues, he might just follow in his cousin’s footsteps perhaps even outshining him one day.
Did You Know?
- Hazeem Bakre once scored five goals in a single match during a youth tournament in South London, attracting early interest from scouts.
- His grassroots journey began with Peckham Town FC, a club known for nurturing young talent from underrepresented communities.
- The Onside Academy, where Bakre was scouted by Huddersfield, has also produced trialists for clubs like West Ham and QPR.
- Middlesbrough’s academy has previously produced Premier League players such as Stewart Downing, Ben Gibson, and Dael Fry.
- Despite being a natural striker, Bakre has also played as a wide forward and attacking midfielder during his youth development.
