Tormenta's Akoto to be transferred to EFL's Burton Albion FC

Photo Credit: Tormenta FC Nick Akoto will reunite with his youth coach as he heads to EFL League One side Burton Albion.

Tormenta's Nick Akoto, primarily a defender who has seen time in the midfield and up top this year, is being transferred to English Football League League One side Burton Albion F.C. in a record transfer fee deal for USL League One. 

Mark Robinson, head coach for Burton Albion, has a history with Akoto. Akoto played for AFC Wimbledon's U-18 squad where Robinson was on the Technical Staff. Robinson was hired by Burton Albion on June 4 of this year and appears to have wasted little time acquiring Akoto for a reunion.

"This was on of those things where I didn't think it was going to happen until it really happened," the 24-year old Akoto was quoted as saying in the press release announcing the move. "This is just one of those really exciting moments in my career, and I am excited to get there and just kick on."

In a message to me shortly after the announcement was made, Akoto added "I just want to obviously thank everyone associated with the club, first and foremost, and all the fans for their continuous support the last two years. I enjoyed my time thoroughly at Tormenta and I'm just grateful for the opportunity they gave me."

Akoto, who made eight appearances for Tormenta 2 in 2022,  has been a mainstay on the squad for the League One side for past year and a half. Through 13 League One games, Akoto leads Tormenta with three assists and 15 chances created this season. He also scored Tormenta's lone goal in their 1-0 first round U.S. Open Cup win over FC America CFL Spurs earlier this season. Last year Akoto scored two goals and had two assists, primarily from his right back position. 

His speed and quickness make Akoto a threat from anywhere on the field as he's able to push forward and get into the attack, as evidenced by his 33 chances created in 2023. 

"Like many of our players, Tormenta aimed to be Nick's first club, but not his last. The plan was for him to develop within our club, and when the time was right, to be sold up the pyramid," said Ian Cameron, Tormenta's head coach in a press release. "Our fans will be sad to lose his qualities on the field, but the growing light on the EFL League One now make it easier than ever to watch his games, and we wish him every success in Burton Albion FC's promotion endeavors." 

"It's a huge loss for us as a team," Tormenta defender Preston Kilwien said Wednesday. "But we're all so happy for Nick. What an incredible opportunity he has in front of him."

"As a footballer, it's always our aspiration to try and play at the highest level possible so getting a move this like is a massive opportunity for Nick to continue to achieve his dreams. We're all going to miss him around the locker room and on the field, but we're so excited to follow along and see where life and football takes him," Kilwien said.

Mason Tunbridge, who is in his first season with Tormenta, said Akoto is one of his best friends on the team.

"Both (of us) coming from London, he helped me adapt and it was nice to share stuff in common with someone while so far away from home," Tunbridge said. "I think Nick can go and do so many good things in football and I can't wat to follow along on the TV and go and catch a game when I'm home in the offseason."

The move for Akoto also epitomizes one of the philosophies of Tormenta in creating opportunities for players to showcase their talents on a big stage while also competing for titles in USL League One.

"It emphasizes the pathway from Tormenta that we are all told about from the moment we sign," Tunbridge said. "I think it shows that the players in this league can match the quality (of other leagues) and have the capabilities to do so. The thing that separates the levels is consistency and I feel Nick's shown consistency in his time here to earn him the opportunity."

Prior to joining the Tormenta organization, he spent the 2021 season with the Ocean City Nor'easters of USL League 2, getting in to 12 games. He started his career with AFC Wimbledon and after his release in 2017, he joined Maldon & Tiptree of the Isthmian League, a primarily semi-pro league covering London and east and southeast of England.

In 2019, Akoto left England to play collegiate soccer in the United States, first with Tennessee Wesleyan for two seasons before transferring to Keiser University for his final two years. 

"We knew from the moment we recruited Nick to the Tormenta 2 team that he was a gem," said Darin Van Tassell, president and co-owner of Tormenta in the press release.. "Our club will miss him greatly, but we are incredibly honored to bear witness to his development on and off the pitch these last few years and are thrilled to cheer him on in his next chapter. Developing players to their highest potential is the cornerstone on which we built this club, and Nick is our shining example of this pathway."

Tormenta manager Ian Cameron will hold a press conference on Thursday where one assumes he'll discuss Akoto's transfer and what it means for Akoto and for Tormenta going forward.

Burton Albion finished 20th in EFL League One in the 2023-2024 season, going 12-24-10 (W-L-D) and a negative 26 goal differential. They kick off their upcoming season on August 10 against Lincoln City. 

Since this is a blog and not held to the same standards as a news article, I can add that Akoto has always been a joy to cover. Not only is he a fantastic player who appears to effortlessly glide along the pitch, he's got a smile that lights up a room. On the occasions I've had to speak with him, he's been great to interview. Selfishly, I'm going to miss watching him play.

Also, for those who watch Welcome to Wrexham, Burton Albion plays Wrexham on December 7 and again on April 5. CBS recently announced an agreement with the EFL for platform rights to show EFL Championship, League One and League Two games, along with the Carabao Cup and Bristol Street Motors Trophy, meaning fans will have the chance to watch Akoto play on Paramount Plus, CBSSports Network and CBS Golazo Network.