Udinese ready to sign Nigerian star valued at ₦3.8b

The White and Blacks are planning to bolster their attacking options, and they are reportedly going for someone with Serie A experience

Udinese have joined the race to sign Nigerian marksman Simy Nwankwo from Crotone. Simy is expected to leave Crotone following his fantastic season in the Italian top-flight last season.

Although the Pythagoreans went down last season, Simy’s performance was head and shoulders above the rest of his teammates.

The 29-year-old broke and set many records last campaign after scoring 20 goals in 38 league games. It’s the highest an African has scored in a single Serie A season since Samuel Eto’o scored 21 for Inter Milan in the 2010/2011 season.

Simy’s performances have attracted a host of Serie A clubs, with Genoa and Sampdoria also credited with an interest.

However, it appears Udinese are favourites to sign the Nigerian international. According to Alfredo Pedullà per football Italia, the White and Blacks are considering making a move for the former Gil Vicente man after they cancelled their agreement with PSV’s Maxi Romero due to a failed medical.

But they are likely to pay his current value of €8m (₦3.8b) if they want to take him off Crotone. Simy’s contract with the relegated club runs until 2022.

Udinese have a history of signing Nigerian players, having signed Christian Obodo, Odion Ighalo and William Troost-Ekong in the past.