A lot of Nigerian players have been on the move this summer as the transfer window edges towards its deadline.
One of the most talked-about transfer sagas involved Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen, who eventually completed a move to Galatasaray after a long and dramatic standoff with former club Napoli.
Leon Balogun also sealed a move to Cyprus with Aris Limassol, while Bright Osayi-Samuel left Fenerbahçe to join English Championship side Birmingham City.
However, there are still rumours linking a few Nigerian players with potential moves before the window shuts.
Former Nigeria youth international Sambo Choji, who spent most of his career in Germany, spoke exclusively to Footy-Africa about five players he believes should move and the clubs he feels would be the right fit for them.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
Lookman frustrated and disappointed with Atalanta as Nerazzurri rejected a €45 million bid from rivals Inter Milan, despite the player’s desire to make the switch.
According to reports, meanwhile Arsenal is believed to be considering to make an official bid for the 27-year-old Nigerian.
Choji: “I am sad about what is happening between the player and the club, and I hope they can reach an amicable agreement. Lookman has done well for Atalanta and even won titles there. I believe it is time for him to move on and continue his career elsewhere. Since Atalanta do not want to sell him to another Italian club after Inter Milan tabled a bid, I think a return to England would be ideal. If Arsenal’s reported interest is real, that would be a great move for him.”
Related article: Arsenal ready to make a €52 million bid for Lookman
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Scouts from at least five Premier League clubs attended Bayer Leverkusen friendly at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea to evaluate Tella’s current form.
His potential move back to England looks promising while he might not get much playing time in Leverkusen one the season starts.
Choji: “I am not sure Tella will get much game time under Xabi Alonso this season based on the pre-season matches I’ve seen. He is a good player who can thrive anywhere, but I think Burnley would suit him well, especially as I’ve heard they are interested. Nottingham Forest are also said to be monitoring him, and I hope he can get a move back to England.”
Related article: Premier League clubs eye Tella at Bayer pre-season game
Raphael Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzeň, Czech)
Rafiu Durosinmi is ready to take a new step and leave Czech First League for one ot the top five European leagues. The 22-year-old’s expires next summer, and his Transfermarkt value is estimated at €7 million.
At this moment, he is on the several Italian and German team’s shorlist.
Choji: “This is one player I rate highly, though he has been unlucky with injuries. I spoke to some friends about him when Durosinmi was close to joining Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023, but the move fell through and I was really disappointed. He is doing well at the moment, and I think he could thrive in the Bundesliga if given another chance. A team like Wolfsburg or RB Leipzig would benefit from his talent. He is big, strong, and knows his way around the box.”
Related article: Udinese eye Nigerian striker Durosinmi from Viktoria Plzen
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
Nigerian winger isn’t sure about his future at San Siro as he’s yet to truly settle in the fashion capital of Italy.Â
With the summer transfer window wide open, there were whispers of a possible return to Villarreal, but that trail seems to have gone cold. Recently, rumors involving Chukwueze and Premier League side Fulham have appeared.
Choji: “This is another player I rate highly, but his move to Milan hasn’t gone according to plan. Even though Chukwueze has had a good pre-season, I think it’s time for him to move on. I’ve heard Fulham are interested, and that would be a positive move for Nigeria since it would mean three of our players there. His pace and trickery are perfect for the Premier League, and I believe he can handle the physical side of the game just as he has in Serie A.”
Related article: “England could be the next step,” — Mohammed on Chukwueze leaving AC Milan
Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
Nottingham Forest are in talks with 27-year-old Nigerian over a move to the club in the summer transfer window, according to several reports. Other clubs are also appear to be in the hunt.
Choji: “Taiwo’s situation is frustrating. He was doing well for Nottingham Forest before injuries slowed him down, and now Chris Wood is the club’s first-choice striker. I think he needs a new environment for a fresh start. Another team might give him the platform to stay injury-free and rediscover his form. I would like to see him remain in England. West Ham used to admire him, and newly promoted Leeds United might also be a good fit. I really hope he gets a move and restarts his career.”
