Russia-Ukraine fallout: Liverpool linked with move for exciting Super Eagles winger as Mo Salah’s understudy

The Reds could be ready to add more attacking depth to what is already one of world football’s most potent attacks

English Premier League giants Liverpool could sanction the signing of Nigerian international Chidera Ejuke to provide adequate backup to star man Mohamed Salah, according to a report by Liverpool.com.

Ejuke currently plies his trade with Russian side CSKA Moscow, which he joined in 2020 after ending his two-year association with Dutch club Heerenveen.

But Russia is not the best place to be, much less play football, at the moment as the country continues to receive global backlash and sanctions following its invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

Already, the governing body for footballers around the world, FIFPro, is pushing for legislation that will allow foreign players to terminate their contract with Russian clubs and leave for free.

That decision could affect several footballers, including quite a few Nigerian stars. Russia is home to at least 12 Nigerian players, including Stephen Igboun (Nizhny Novgorod), Victor Moses (Spartak Moscow), Bryan Idowu (Khimki), and Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow).

A fast and versatile winger, Ejuke’s dribbling and direct style could see him fit into Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy at Liverpool. With Salah an undisputed starter under the German manager, Ejuke could provide cover for the speedy Egyptian. 

The 24-year-old is no alien to the Anfield giants, having spent three weeks on trial at the club in his teens, but he failed to earn a contract.

Ejuke has made good progress in Europe since that time, scoring 37 goals while adding 18 assists and loads of memorable highlights across spells with Valerenga, Heerenveen, and CSKA.

A Nigerian international, Ejuke was in the Super Eagles squad to the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon earlier this year.