Footy-Africa can exclusively report that Nigeria U-20 international Abdoulaye Agbejoye is edging closer to a move to Europe, with Premier League side Nottingham Forest leading the race to secure his signature.
The 18-year-old Grassrunners Football Academy forward has emerged as one of the most sought after young talents coming out of the country following a sensational breakthrough campaign.
Standing at a towering 6ft 5in, the powerful forward has drawn comparisons to Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland and Nigerian football legend Rashidi Yekini because of his imposing physique, explosive pace, and clinical eye for goal.
Agbejoye stock rose significantly after he finished as both the top scorer and Player of the Tournament in the Nigerian Youth League Cup. He carried that scintillating form onto the international stage with the Flying Eagles at the recently concluded WAFU B U20 Championship in Ivory Coast, where he played a pivotal role in helping Nigeria reach the final.
Nottingham Forest have already held discussions over a potential move, seeing the teenager as a long term prospect. However, the Premier League side faces competition, with German outfit Bayer Leverkusen actively monitoring his progress, while Footy-Africa understands that clubs in France and Sweden have also recently made inquiries regarding his availability.
Sources close to Grassrunners Football Academy confirm to Footy-Africa that a European move is imminent and that the young striker will soon depart the country.
“We have another top forward in the mold of the late, great Rashidi Yekini. I still call him King Yekini because ever since he passed away, there has been a massive vacuum in Nigerian football,” a source close to Grassrunners exclusively told Footy-Africa. “But with his playing style, I believe we will soon have a proper replacement for him in the national team.
“Hopefully, he will be heading abroad very soon. He is performing exceptionally well and is actively being monitored. Now that he has earned a call up to the national team, things should move even faster. I cannot disclose the specific clubs just yet. Sometimes it is best to keep details under wraps until the deal is fully finalized.”
Agbejoye possesses all the attributes required to become one of Africa next major exports, with a move to Europe expected to materialize in the near future.
Should the transfer go through, Agbejoye will become the latest player to complete a move from Ogun State based Grassrunners Football Academy to Europe.
The academy has recently established itself as a fast growing talent pipeline for European football, having facilitated moves for defender Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG Hoffenheim / Wolfsberger AC), attacker Angelo Agbejoye Hountondji (Djurgårdens IF), as well as Godwin Raphael (Stade de Reims).
