10 Nigerian Footballers Poised for Club Transfers This Summer

• As the European season approaches its end, a number of Nigerian players are anticipated to switch clubs during the summer transfer window.
• Prominent striker Victor Osimhen has attracted interest from top European clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
• Winger Samuel Chukwueze’s impressive performances at Villarreal have drawn attention from Real Madrid, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United, among others.

Potential Club Transfers: 10 Nigerian Footballers Ready for Moves This Summer

With the conclusion of the 2022/23 European football season on the horizon, a list of Nigerian players primed for club changes during the upcoming summer transfer window has emerged.

1. VICTOR OSIMHEN:

Victor Osimhen, the talismanic forward, played an instrumental role in Napoli securing their first Scudetto in over thirty years this season.

The 24-year-old has impressively netted 23 goals in 30 league appearances for Luciano Spalletti’s side. His remarkable performances have garnered interest from European powerhouses such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.

2.SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE:

Under the guidance of manager Quique Setien, winger Samuel Chukwueze experienced a resurgence at Villarreal. Initially facing challenges at the start of the season, Chukwueze’s career received a boost following the departure of Unai Emery to Aston Villa. The 24-year-old has contributed six goals and five assists in 35 league outings for the Yellow Submarine. Real Madrid, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United have reportedly shown interest in securing his services.

3. GIFT ORBAN:

Gift Orban, previously an unknown talent, rose to prominence after joining Belgian Pro League club KAA Gent from Norwegian second division side Stabaek in January. The 20-year-old forward has impressively scored 20 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions for the Buffalos.

Ligue 1 champions Lille have already initiated contact with Gent regarding a potential transfer. Premier clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring his progress.

4. VICTOR BONIFACE

After just one season, Belgian Pro League team Union Saint Gilloise is resigned to losing forward Victor Boniface.

The 20-year-old joined the club from Norwegian side Bodo/Glint last summer for approximately €2 million. Union Saint Gilloise’s Chief Executive Officer, Philippe Borman, recently confirmed that Boniface will depart the club this summer.

5. PAUL ONUACHU:

Paul Onuachu, the towering striker, finally fulfilled his long-standing ambition of playing in the Premier League after transferring from Belgian side KRC Genk to Southampton in January. Unfortunately, his stint with the Saints took an unfortunate turn as the club suffered relegation.

Onuachu is expected to pursue opportunities elsewhere due to a clause in his contract that allows him to join another club in the event of relegation.

6. MADUKA OKOYE

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s highly anticipated move to Sky Bet Championship club Watford turned sour. The 22-year-old failed to make a single league appearance for the Hornets during the 2022/23 season, featuring only twice in cup competitions.

7. JOE ARIBO:

Midfielder Joe Aribo’s transfer from Glasgow Rangers to Southampton last summer may be short-lived following Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League. While a return to Rangers is a possibility, several other clubs are likely to express interest in signing him.

8. CALVIN BASSEY:

Calvin Bassey, who made the switch from Scottish Premiership club Glasgow Rangers to Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam last summer, has faced criticism in his debut season.

The versatile defender’s underwhelming performances may lead to his departure from the Eredivisie outfit, with several clubs reportedly expressing interest in securing his services.

9. CHUBA AKPOM:

Chuba Akpom enjoyed a productive season with Sky Bet Championship club Middlesbrough, showcasing his scoring prowess by netting 29 goals in all competitions, including an impressive 28 in the league.

However, following Middlesbrough’s failure to secure promotion to the Premier League, the 27-year-old is expected to seek a new challenge and make a move this summer.

10. CYRIEL DESSERS:

After receiving widespread acclaim for his contributions to Dutch club Feyenoord’s journey to the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League last season, Cyriel Dessers faced disappointment this time around as he couldn’t help Cremonese avoid relegation from Serie A. Consequently, the forward is likely to explore opportunities elsewhere in search of a fresh start.

As the summer transfer window approaches, these Nigerian footballers find themselves in the midst of potential moves, with various clubs expressing interest in their talents. It remains to be seen where their futures will take them, but one thing is certain: the Nigerian presence in the global footballing landscape continues to grow.