Tyrone Kariuki Junior: Major Hurdles Arise in Kenyan Teenager’s Potential Move to Spain

• Tyrone Kariuki finds himself between a rock and a hard place
• The Rainbow FC teenager is desired by Spain’s Nastic Sports Academy
• His parent club, however, are dissatisfied with the academy's approach

Kenya's rising star, Tyrone Kariuki, faces challenges in realizing his dream move to Spain's Nastic Sports Academy following a reported disagreement between his club, Rainbow FC and the academy itself.

Kariuki, a standout player during the CECAFA U18 Boys Championship with Kenya's Junior Stars, caught the attention of Nastic Sports Academy scouts, who expressed interest in bringing him on board.

However, the negotiation process has reportedly hit a roadblock, with Rainbow FC and Nastic Sports Academy at odds over ownership terms.

Former Harambee Stars head coach and the Rainbow FC CEO, Stanley Okumbi, revealed that the academy sought full player ownership. This condition proved difficult for the club to accept.

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“They wanted to own the player 100 per cent, but I told them it will be difficult since we are a club and we have our partners. We proposed that they let us own the player for 10 or 20 per cent, but they said for them to do that, we have to pay the whole school fees of Ksh1,034,844,” Okumbi is quoted on Pulse Sports.

Rainbow FC reportedly proposed a shared ownership structure, but the academy insisted on an upfront payment for school fees.

The academy's direct engagement with the player's parents and former coach, as seen through a letter shared on social media by former Gor Mahia Treasurer Sally Bolo, further strained relations as it appeared the academy was bypassing the National Super League club.

Okumbi lamented the lack of professionalism from the academy, noting that negotiations should be done with the club first. While Rainbow FC are willing to release Kariuki for his development in Spain, they seek to safeguard their interests if a future sale arises.

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"We were ready to release him, but their demands were tricky. We asked for nothing but a small stake in the player if he was going to the academy, but they refused. However, their demands are tricky for us. You can imagine Tyron, who is turning 18 next year, going for free today and then the next thing you see him in Barcelona. Kenyans will know Rainbow have profited massively but later learn we gave him for free,” Okumbi explains.

Harambee Stars’ Olunga responds to Everton links

Sports Brief previously reported that Kenyan striker Michael Olunga cleverly responded when asked about rumours linking him with a move to Everton.

Olunga is a top marksman who has made a name for himself in Japan and Qatar, having won league titles in both countries’ leagues.

His current contract with Qatari side Al Duhail is ending, leading to an interesting transfer rumour claiming The Toffees are interested in his services.