Following the rejection of their initial bid for Anthony Dennis by Turkish side Goztepe FC, Belgian giants Anderlecht are set to submit an improved second offer, Footy-Africa sources have exclusively learned.
The 34-time Belgian Pro League champions had initially tabled a €3.25 million bid, which Goztepe declined. Anderlecht are now prepared to raise their offer to €4.5 million including performance-related add-ons, hoping the Turkish club will be more receptive.
The 21-year-old prodigy is under contract with Goztepe until 2027, having signed with the club in July 2023 and extended his deal in May 2024. Goztepe currently value their prized asset at €5 million.
In an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, a source at Elite Project Group, the agency representing Dennis, revealed that Anderlecht remain determined to land the midfielder—unless Goztepe’s demands become excessive.
“It’s fully understandable that Goztepe rejected the €3.25 million bid given the promise he (Dennis) has and the kind of season he had. But Anderlecht are not giving up just yet. They’ve informed us they’re ready to push it up to €4.5 million with performance-related add-ons. Meanwhile, Goztepe are still holding out for €5 million plus a percentage on a future resale,” the source exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Dennis enjoyed a strong season, making 37 appearances and registering two assists. In the 2023/24 campaign, he featured 15 times and scored once. The defensive midfielder initially joined Goztepe’s youth setup from HB Abuja in Nigeria.
On the international stage, Dennis—whose Transfermarkt valuation is estimated at €4 million—received his first senior national team call-up this year but is yet to make his debut for the Super Eagles.