SUMMER SHUFFLE! Nigerian stars who switched clubs in the 2024 transfer frenzy
•Nigerian stars who switched clubs in the 2024 transfer frenzy
Nigeria remains the second-highest exporter of footballers in the world after Brazil, with hundreds of its players finding their way into clubs in other countries while some others switch clubs in every transfer window. GODWIN AIKIGBE presents Nigerians who relocated during the summer
Victor Osimhen (Napoli to Galatasaray, loan)
Scoring 26 goals to help Napoli win their first Scudetto in over three decades and bagging the Serie A top scorer’s award, attracted Osimhen to a horde of top clubs in Europe and Asia, most of whom were deterred by the Є30m release clause in his new contract.
The Africa Player of the Year was the first item on display but ended up as a remnant after late efforts by Chelsea and Ah Ahli to seal a deal fell through.
The Turkish transfer window that closed on September 13 offered the 25-year-old the only route out of an imminent docility in Naples, as Galatasaray exhibited their knack for acquiring top stars by tabling a season-long loan deal that will see him earn Є10m yearly, the same salary at Napoli.
Frank Onyeka (Brentford to FC Augsburg, loan)
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka joined FC Augsburg on August 30 from Brentford after failing to secure a regular spot on the team since joining the modest Premier League side in 2021.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla, Spain)
Iheanacho joined Spanish La Liga side Sevilla in July as a free agent after his contract with Leicester expired in June, ending his seven-year stay at King Power Stadium. He scored 61 goals in 232 appearances for the Foxes and is now playing alongside Nigeria teammate Chidera Ejuke at Sevilla.
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Super Eagles skipper William Troost-Ekong joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Kholood on a two-year deal with an option for an additional year.
Just after one year with Greek club PAOK, where he won the Super League. He has since made two appearances for Saudi giants.
Alhassan Yusuf (Antwerp to New England Revolution)
Super Eagles midfield enforcer Alhassan Yusuf left Royal Antwerp after three seasons for New England Revolution on a deal that will run until 2027, with an option to extend for an additional year.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hataspor to Lazio, loan)
Largely touted as a replacement for Austin Jay-Jay Okocha in the Super Eagles midfield, Dele-Bashiru joined Lazio on a one-year loan deal from Hataspor, adding to the growing list of Nigerians who have played at the Serie A side, which include Ogenyi Onazi, Stephen Makinwa, and Daniel Ola.
Victor Moses (Spartak Moscow to Luton Town)
Former Nigeria forward Victor Moses retraced his steps to England after eight years by joining Championship side Luton Town upon seeing through his contract with Spartak Moscow.
Kelechi Nwakali (Chavez to Barnsley)
The 26-year-old FIFA U-17 World Cup MVP and winner’s continual quest for stability took him to Barnsley, signing a three-year contract with the League One side after his contract was terminated by Portuguese club Chavez for disciplinary reasons.
Christantus Uche (AD Ceuta B to Getafe)
Uche, 21, a striker, joined Getafe from Ceuta on June 13, signing a four-year contract with the Madrid outskirts side.
He took the Spanish top flight by storm, scoring on his debut on August 15, the equaliser in a 1-1 away draw against Athletic Bilbao.
Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow to Sevilla)
Renowned for his ball-pressing ability, Ejuke, 26, joined Sevilla on June 17 following the expiration of his contract at CSKA Moscow, who loaned him out to Hertha and Royal Antwerp the previous two seasons.
Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba to Al Merrikh)
Nigerian international and veteran Nigeria Premier Football League shot-stopper, Ojo, joined Sudanese club, Al Merreikh, in a two-year deal in June from Enyimba International FC of Aba.
Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista to FC Cincinnati)
Nail-tough Super Eagles defender Awaziem joined Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati on July 24, 2024, on a two-year contract with the possibility of an extension through 2027.
He ended his four-year stint with Boavista, the Portuguese outfit that loaned him to Alanyaspor and Hajduk Split in the previous two seasons.
Gabriel Osho (Auxerre)
The Nigeria prospect joined newly promoted French Ligue 1 outfit Auxerre on July 11 on a one-year deal with the option of two additional years after failing to reach an agreement with Luton Town for a contract extension.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan to Sampdoria, loan)
The burgeoning midfielder joined Serie B club Sampdoria from Inter Milan on July 19 on a season-long loan, with an option to buy and a buy-back clause in favour of the Nerazzurri. He made his debut for the club on August 11, starting in a Coppa Italia match against Como, which ended in a 5-4 shoot-out win.
