Gnistan’s loss is huge, but selling Akinyemi was still a sensible decision

Gnistan will enter the decisive phase of its season without Adeleke Akinyemi, the Veikkausliiga’s leading scorer. The Nigerian striker has scored 13 goals, but the Helsinki club confirmed Monday that he will move to Azerbaijan’s Neftçi Baku.

The transfer fee will be the largest in Gnistan’s history. The club has described the total as exceptionally significant for a 28-year-old Veikkausliiga player, without confirming the amount. Yle journalist Eetu Ikola reported that Gnistan will receive about 450,000 euros, plus possible bonuses.

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If the rumored transfer fee is correct, it is a large amount for a 28-year-old Veikkausliiga player. Although the timing is athletically terrible, I fully understand Gnistan’s decision to sell.

Football analyst Tuukka Kotimäki called the sporting timing “terrible,” since Akinyemi is leaving just before the championship round begins. He nevertheless understands the decision, arguing that refusing a player’s departure can raise questions about commitment and motivation. “Certain and, by Finnish football standards, substantial money is smart to take,” Kotimäki said.

Gnistan sit fourth in the league and are chasing a place in European qualifying. KuPS, FC Inter, and HJK are above them. A top-three finish would secure a qualifying place, while fourth could also be enough if Finnish Cup winners FC Inter finish among the top three.

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There is also the question that if a player were not allowed to leave, his commitment and motivation might become a question mark. Certain and, by Finnish football standards, substantial money is smart to take.

Kotimäki still considers Gnistan a strong candidate for at least fourth place. He said AC Oulu and VPS have been struggling for a long time, while HJK have been highly inconsistent. Before Akinyemi’s sale, he rated Gnistan more likely than HJK to win the bronze medal. The transfer has changed that balance, but he still sees Gnistan as well placed to reach Europe.

Joakim Latonen could take on a larger role. Kotimäki said Latonen has received surprisingly little playing time given his efficiency. He is not a direct replacement for Akinyemi, but the striker’s departure could give him a major opportunity. Kotimäki also said the transfer reflects the growing appeal of Veikkausliiga players in international markets, where transfers worth hundreds of thousands of euros are becoming more common.

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Latonen has received surprisingly little playing time considering how effective he has been. He is not a direct replacement for Akinyemi, but he will probably receive more responsibility now and may take on a really major role.