Nigerian Players Transfer Round Up: Arsenal’s British-Nigerian youngster leaves the club
This is Soccernet.ng’s daily round-up of all the transfer news, confirmed moves, rumours and speculations surrounding Nigerian footballers. Check back every day to stay informed.
Thursday, August 13th
Tolaji Bola leaves Arsenal after 14 years
Rotherham have completed the signing of Arsenal’s British-Nigerian youngster Tolaji Bola on a three-year deal. The 22-year-old leaves the Gunners after a 14-year association with the club. Read more here.
Kingsley Sokari joins Pharco FC
Forgotten Super Eagles star Kingsley Sokari is the latest Nigerian star to join a North African club. The 26-year-old, who has two international caps, has joined Egyptian side Pharco FC on a two-year deal. Read more here
Michael Folorunsho leaves Napoli
The 23-year-old Nigeria-eligible star has left the Napoli for Pordenone on a season-long loan deal. It’s the second consecutive loan spell for Folorunsho, who was born in Italy. Read more here
One of Nigeria’s highly-rated prospects Anayo Iwuala has left Enyimba in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to join Esperance of Tunisia on a three-year deal worth $500,000. Read More here.
Atalanta target Iwobi
Alex Iwobi could be set to leave the Premier League six years after making his debut, with Serie A club Atalanta the likely destination. Read more here.
Venezia want David Okereke
The Venice-based side are considering making a move for the Club Brugge striker to join Tyronne Ebuehi ahead of the new Serie A season. Read more here.
BK Häcken sign Super Eagles star
Sweden Allsvenskan side BK Häcken have confirmed the signing of Nasaraa United defender Franklin Tebo on a one-year loan deal with an option to buy. Read more here.
Napoli’s Nigeria-eligible midfielder joins Pordenone
Nigerian-Italian midfielder Michael Folorunsho has joined Pordenone on a one-year loan deal. Read more here.
Celtic and Rangers battle for Nigerian star
Bright Osayi-Samuel is a target for Scotland’s biggest clubs Rangers and Celtic. Read more here
Onyekuru seals Greece move
Onyekuru’s future has finally been resolved after sealing a four-year deal with Olympiacos. The Nigerian international’s move to Greece means his disappointing two-year stint with Monaco has now come to an end finally.
Moffi on Galatasaray’s radar
The Turkish giants are interested in signing the Lorient striker as a potential replacement for former Man Utd and Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao.
Falcao is expected to leave Galatasaray this summer as the Lions can no longer afford to pay for his services. And according to reports, Moffi is Galatasaray’s preferred option as a replacement. Read more here.
Sivasspor set to sign another Nigerian
Azubuike Okechukwu’s disappointing two-year stint at Istanbul Başakşehir is set to end, with Sivasspor set to announce the signing of the forgotten Super Eagles star.
The deal will see Okechukwu become the third Nigerian signing for Sivasspor this summer. Read more here.
Moses Simon a target for RB Salzburg
The Super Eagles winger could leave financially-strapped Nantes, with RB Salzburg and Sporting Lisbon interested in his services. Read more here.
Three players leave Plateau United
Ibrahim Abubakar Babawo, Isah Ndala and Bernard Ovoke have all left Plateau United to sign for Armenian side on a three-year deal.
David Akintola joins Demispor
Nigerian youngster Babajide David Akintola has followed Frank Onyeka in leaving FC Midtjylland. The 25-year-old leaves the Danish side to join Turkish side Adana Demispor on a three-year deal for a reported fee of €2.40m.
Although just 25, Akintola has had quite a journey in the Scandinavian leagues, with clubs like Rosenborg and Haugesund among some of his previous teams.
The Demispor move is also his second stint in Turkey, having previously played for Hatayspor.
Super Eagles star joins Mikel Obi in the middle-east
Home-based Super Eagles star Kingsley Eduwo is the latest Nigerian player after John Mikel Obi that will be plying his trade in the Middle East this season.
The former Lobi Stars player joins United Arab Emirates side (UAE) Al-Orooba from Tunisian club CS Sfaxien for a reported fee of €750m on a two-year deal.
In Eduwo, Orooba are getting a player with enough CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup experience.
The 25-year-old has also made two appearances for the home-based Super Eagles with a goal to his name.
Former Flying Eagles star moves to Croatia
Former Nigeria U-20 striker Wisdom Ubani has joined Croatian side Lokomotiv Zagreb. The 18-year-old played for the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles at the CAF U17 Nations Cup in 2019 and the WAFU B U20 in 2020.
Ubani, who is a centre-forward, scored three times in eight appearances for the Golden Eaglets.
Mazembe sign former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper
Democratic Republic of Congo champions Tout Puissant Mazembe have completed the signing of former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper Shuaibu Suleman. Read more here
Musa Europe Bound
The Super Eagles captain’s temporary stint at Kano Pillars is over after signing a deal with Turkish club Fatih Karagümrük.
The deal was made official on Thursday, with Musa posting a video of his unveiling on his social media accounts.
Joel Obi makes Serie A return
The Super Eagles star could not help Chievo Verona secure promotion, but he’s set to play top-flight football after signing for the newly-promoted side Salernitana on a one-year deal.
Awoniyi leaves Liverpool finally
The former Golden Eaglets striker has completed a permanent move from Liverpool to Union Berlin after spending last season on loan at the club.
The deal brings an end to Awoniyi’s five-year stay at Liverpool, even though he never got the chance to play for the club.
Chukwueze to Everton?
The Toffees are looking at Samuel Chukwueze as a potential replacement for James Rodriguez, who could return to Real Madrid to link up with his former boss, Carlo Ancelotti.
Onyeka is a bee
Meanwhile, Frank Onyeka has joined Premier League new boys Brentford from FC Midtjylland after receiving a work permit and passing his medical.
Sevilla pull out of Sadiq race, but Valencia are interested
Umar Sadiq’s future is still undecided after Sevilla pulled out of the race to sign the former Rangers star. The former Nigeria U-23 striker had an exceptional season last campaign, but Sevilla are not ready to pay Almeria’s asking price.
However, Valencia are interested in the former AS Roma star’s services. But the 2003/2004 La Liga champions will have to do more to get their man after their initial offer was rejected by Almeria.
Omeruo wants out.
Meanwhile, another Nigerian player Kenneth Omeruo wants to leave the Spanish second division, and he has made his move by letting Leganes know he wants to leave the club.
Nmecha leaves City
Nigeria-eligible German youngster Lucas Nmecha has completed an £11m move to German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.
Nmecha spent last season on loan at Anderlecht, who were also interested in signing him, but could not afford to sign him permanently.
Success set for Italy return
In another transfer news, forgotten Super Eagles star Isaac Success is set to join Serie A side Udinese on a loan deal from Watford.
The Nigerian international was previously a youth player with The White and Blacks. The deal between the two parties should not come as a surprise as they are both owned by the Pozzo family.
Salernitana want Simy
Meanwhile, Salernitana, another Serie A side, are interested in Simy Nwankwo as they get set to play in the top-flight after 23 years.
Newly-promoted La Liga side, RCD Mallorca are also reportedly interested in the Nigerian international.
Everton to sign Okoronkwo
Everton are set to sign the highly-rated Francis Okoronkwo from Sunderland. As per the DailyMail, the Toffees will pay £1m (₦569m) to sign the brilliant teenager from the Black Cats.
Okoronkwo was born in England, but he’s eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents. He’s yet to represent the Three Lions at any level.
Udinese sign Udogie
Meanwhile, in Italy, Udinese have completed the signing of another Nigeria-eligible youngster Destiny Udogie from Hellas Verona.
As per Football Italia, the initial deal is a loan deal with an obligation to buy at the end of the season. The 1-year-old was born in Italy and has represented the Azzurris from the u16-u19 level.
However, he’s also eligible to play for the Super Eagles through his Nigerian heritage.
Ugbo set for Chelsea exit
Genk are already preparing for life after Paul Onuachu after reports emerged that they are in talks with Chelsea over the transfer of Ike Ugbo.
Nwakali gets another chance
Kelechi Nwakali won’t get the chance to return to England, at least for now, following Huesca’s decision to keep him in their squad for next season.
The former Golden Eaglets striker has been linked with a move to Bournemouth and Leeds United, but he’s now set to stay in Spain.
Agu to the middle-east
Forgotten Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Agu could be the latest Nigerian star after John Mikel Obi to move to the middle-east. The 28-year-old is close to leaving Vitória de Guimarães for an unnamed Arabian club.
Sivasspor Nigerian connection
Meanwhile, Sivasspor have completed the signing of Leke James, bringing the total number of Nigerians at the club to two.
Spurs want Nigerian youngster
Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for highly-rated Nigerian star Paul Mukairu. The Lilywhites are looking at potential replacements for Harry Kane, and Mukairu is one of their targets.
Okoye, a man in demand.
Maduka Okoye could leave Sparta Rotterdam just a year after signing for the club as Anderlecht and AZ Alkmaar are interested in his services.
Yusuf joins Antwerp
Meanwhile, another Nigerian prospect Alhassan Yusuf has left his Swedish club IFK Goteburg to sign for Royal Antwerp in the Belgian top-flight.
Kayode stays
Forgotten Super Eagles star Kayode Olanrewaju has extended his stay at Sivasspor. Olanrewaju joined The Brave Ones on a loan deal from Shakhtar Donetsk last season, and both parties have agreed to extend the deal for another season.
Okonkwo is Arsenal’s new Nigerian star
Arsenal have tied down one of their brightest prospects Arthur Okonkwo to a new long-term contract. Okonkwo played for the Gunners U-23 and U-18 youth side in the last two seasons, but he has been promoted to the first team ahead of the new season.
Watford’s Nigerian family
Oghenekaro Etebo will hope to put his career back on track again after he joined Watford from Stoke City on a season-long loan deal.
Etebo spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, but he never achieved much during his time at the club. The Nigerian has struggled in the last two years, but the move to Watford offers him another opportunity to get back to top form.
Meanwhile, Etebo is not the only player of Nigerian descent that Watford signed on Friday, as they also brought in Scottish-Nigerian forward Dapo Mebude. The Hornets now have five Nigerians in their ranks and one Scotland youth star of Nigerian origin.
Olise is an Eagle, but not a Super Eagle
In another transfer news, Super Eagles target and invitee Michael Olise joined Crystal Palace from Reading. The Eagles have signed the youngster on a five-year deal.
Olise’s move to Selhurst Park will see him link up with another Nigerian national team target Eberechi Eze under Patrick Viera, who is the new Crystal Palace coach.
Meanwhile, former Sheffield Wednesday defender Osaze Urhoghide has completed his move to Celtic in the Scottish top-flight.
Udinese interested in Simy
One of Nigeria’s best players last season, Simy Nwankwo, could be set for a move to Udinese. The 29-year-old is an option for the White and Blacks, who are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.
Simy suffered the disappointment of relegation with Crotone last season, but he’s expected to leave the club after scoring 20 league goals.
Mikel wants the oil money
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has left Stoke City just weeks after signing a new one-year contract extension at the club.
The Chelsea legend has left the Bet 365 stadium to sign a one-year deal with Kuwait Sporting Club in the middle east.
Welcome @mikel_john_obi
💙❤️
.#نادي_الكويت#kuwaitclub#العميد_الملكي pic.twitter.com/KxjSzFZI6e— نادي الكويت الرياضي (@kuwaitclub) July 1, 2021
Ebuehi’s Venice connection
Super Eagles right-back Tyronne Ebuehi joined Serie A new boys Venezia FC on a season-long loan deal from Benfica with an option to buy permanently.
It’s the second consecutive loan spell for Ebuehi after his impressive stint with FC Twente in the just-concluded season.
Ebuehi is not the only Nigerian that completed a loan move to a new club. Cologne flop Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare also joined Ligue 2 side Amiens on a two-year loan deal from Valmeiras with an option to sign permanently.
Hornets chance for Dennis
Other deals include Emmanuel Dennis transfer from Club Brugge to Watford. The 23-year-old joined the newly-promoted Premier League side after a disappointing season in Belgium and Germany.
Moses is a meat
Meanwhile, Victor Moses has joined Spartak Moscow on a permanent deal after spending the just-concluded season on a loan deal from Chelsea.
Slavia Prague adds another Nigerian
Also, Slavia Prague have completed the signing of former Nigerian U-23 star Ubong Moses Ekpai on a three-year deal.
Ekpai joins Peter Olayinka, who is the other Nigerian star at the club.
Maduka on Dortmund’s radar
Borussia Dortmund are targeting British-Nigerian youngster Noni Madueke as a potential replacement for Jadon Sancho, while former Arsenal player Chuks Aneke joined Birmingham City on a two-year deal.
In other transfer rumours, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Victor Osimhen as a potential replacement for Harry Kane, but the Nigerian international and Napoli have an understanding that he’s not going anywhere.
Onuachu’s next destination unclear
Paul Onuachu has also been linked with a big-money move to Watford. The 27-year-old is expected to leave Genk after a record-breaking season, and Watford are among the clubs monitoring his situation.
Watford are not the only Premier League club interested in his services, as Arsenal are also reportedly monitoring his situation.
Daka to push Iheanacho out
Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho could leave Leicester City even though he just signed a new contract that keeps at the club until 2024.
The Foxes just signed Patson Daka from RB Salzburg, which increases competition for places in Leicester’s attack. Leicester could also consider selling the Nigerian to recoup part of the money they spent on Daka.
Chukwueze to Wanda Metropolitano
In Spain, reports say that La Liga champions Atletico Madrid could make cash plus a player offer to Villarreal for the services of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze.
Chukwueze has a 100m euros release clause, but Los Rojiblancos hope to pay less and offer a player to the Yellow Submarines.
Nwubani signs first professional contract
In other transfer news, Nigerian youngster Keleb Nwubani has signed his first professional contract with German side TuS Erndtebrück in the Oberliga Westfalen.
Nwubani expressed his delight at the new deal in a post on his Instagram page.
