Making Moves: Tormenta FC's Big Week
Nick Akoto heads to Burton Albion on a record transfer; Aaron Walker joins the roster.
Image provided by South Georgia Tormenta FC
South Georgia Tormenta FC made a splash this week, announcing the transfer of right-back Nick Akoto to EFL League One side Burton Albion FC. The team indicated that the transfer is the highest in league history, surpassing that of the 2022 transfer of Omaha’s Ryen Jiba to Minnesota United FC of MLS.
It’s also the first direct transfer from USL League One to EFL League One, a league ranked sightly higher than USL Championship according to Global Football Rankings.
The journey comes full circle for Akoto, the 25-year-old who started his career with youth sides in England before playing NCAA and USL2 ball in the United States. It’s also a testament to Tormenta FC’s commitment to development, as Akoto finished his amateur career with Tormenta FC 2 before signing with the first team ahead of the 2023 season.
“Like many of our players, Tormenta aimed to be Nick’s first club but not his last, said Tormenta FC’s Head Coach Ian Cameron in a team media release, “the plan was for him to develop within our club, and when the time was right, to be sold up the pyramid.”
Cameron added in Thursday’s press conference that this was not the first offer the team received for Akoto.
Akoto had one goal and three assists in league play this season for Tormenta, starting in 19 matches.
“This was one of those things where I didn’t think it was going to happen until it really happened,” Akoto said via the release, “this is just one of those really exciting moments in my career, and I am excited to get there and just kick on.”
Team President Darren Van Tassell added his input on Akoto’s legacy, pointing out the first press photo from Burton Albion (seen above). Akoto wore his Tormenta FC warmup shirt, turned around to display the name of teammate and friend Carter Payne, a Tormenta 2 player who died in an automobile accident in 2022.
“That’s how you know where the legacy is,” said Van Tassell.
Incoming: Aaron Walker
The team also announced the signing of free agent Aaron Walker.
Walker was one of Greenville Triumph’s first signings when the team joined the new USL League One in 2019, and was a mainstay with the club through the 2023 season. The 34-year-old midfielder captained the side through a majority of his 121 league appearances with Greenville, but was out of contract following the 2023 season.
According to Cameron, the signing of Walker was not contingent on Akoto’s transfer, and was a separate process from the off-season that “just did not transpire.”
Cameron and Van Tassell also indicated that the team was not finished, and could announce another signing any day. Cameron said “the staff and I are charged” to continue to improve in the second half of the season and make a run for another championship.
“I think this is a squad we could win with,” said Van Tassell.
Alex, if you had to guess, how much do you think the transfer fee paid by Albion was? I know the exact amount was not divulged --despite the teaser headlines!-- but would you hazard it was in the $100,000 or $1,000,000 range??
Alex, if you had to guess, how much do you think the transfer fee paid by Albion was? I know the exact amount was not divulged --despite the teaser headlines!-- but would you hazard it was in the $100,000 or $1,000,000 range??