January Transfer Window: Nigerian stars scramble for new clubs

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January Transfer Window: Nigerian stars scramble for new clubs

The January transfer window opened last week, with some Nigerian players already on the move to join new clubs, while others await their fate amid transfer links this month.

Waploaded takes a look at some of the Nigerian players that have joined new clubs, those who are expected to remain with their present clubs despite transfer links and others who are keen to leave their current club.

Umar Sadiq

Nigeria striker, Umar Sadiq recently completed his loan move to LaLiga club, Valencia from Real Sociedad.

Sadiq will hope to regain top form at Valencia after his struggles at Real Sociedad.

Prior to his move to Real Sociedad in the past, the 27-year-old enjoyed a productive spell with Almería, scoring 43 goals and providing 13 assists in 84 appearances.

Gift Orban

Similarly, Bundesliga club, TSG Hoffenheim also completed the signing of Nigerian forward, Gift Orban from Olympic Lyon.

Hoffenheim paid €9 million plus €3 million add-ons for the 22-year-old, who penned a contract until 2029.

In Gift Orban, we have found exactly the fast striker with good depth that we were looking for,” Hoffenheim’s managing director, Andreas Shicker told the club’s official website.

Waploaded reports that there are still a few weeks remaining for the January transfer window to close.

However, there are other Nigerian players who are still linked with a move from their current clubs and could make a move to new clubs or still remain at their present club this winter window.

Kelechi Iheanancho

Iheanancho, who currently plays for Sevilla, has been linked with Watford after failing to make much impact with the Rojiblancos.

The 28-year-old could be set for a quick return to England with Watford and West Bromwich Albion keen to sign the forward on loan this January.

Taiwo Awoniyi

On his part, Taiwo Awoniyi was linked with West Ham United as reports emerged that his present club, Nottingham Forest are open to selling him to avoid another breach of the Premier League’s financial rules.

Awoniyi, who joined Nottingham Forest from Bundesliga club, Union Berlin, for £17.5m in June 2022, was touted as the player Forest will be willing to sell to rake in the needed cash.

Samuel Chukwueze

Also, Samuel Chukwueze was linked with Premier League club, Everton.

The 25-year-old, who is currently recovering from an injury he sustained during AC Milan’s 1-1 draw with AS Roma last December, has been on the Toffees radar for a while.

The former Villarreal winger has not featured much for AC Milan this season despite impressing during pre-season, but it’s yet to be seen if he could still leave the Serie A giants after the latest injury he picked up.

Victor Osimhen

Another Nigerian player who has been linked with a move this January is Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen, is currently on a season-long loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.

The 26-year-old has already stated categorically that he won’t leave Galatasary this month, adding that he would see out his contract with the Turkish club.

Ola Aina

Nigerian defender, Ola Aina was recently identified by Manchester City as a potential replacement for Kyle walker