The final hours of the transfer window are upon us and clubs are working frantically round the clock to make a move as players are also looking to jump ships
After three months of endless negotiations, money changing hands and clubs showing their financial muscle, some Nigerian footballers have also been seen making big money moves to other clubs.
From Taiwo Awoniyi making his dream Premier League switch from the Bundesliga to Emmanuel Dennis returning to the top flight, and the Ajax move that underlined Calvin Bassey’s mercurial growth in two years, Nigerians have made some important moves.
Joe Aribo also joined Southampton for £6m as he also made a dream Premier League switch this summer while Ademola Lookman moved to the Serie A in a €15m switch to Atalanta.
The latest of such dream progression has seen Umar Sadiq complete a €20m move to Real Sociedad from Almeria.
More Nigerians may be making important moves in the coming hours with many names in the news amid interests.
Who are the players expected to move?
1. William Troost-Ekong – Since January, the former Udinese defender has found playing time hard to come by. While his performance has dipped, he has not been given enough playing opportunities at Watford despite the managerial changes.
Ekong has had some success in the past in the Serie A and with Bologna believed to be making enquiries on his availability, a move isn’t deemed impossible. The Super Eagles’ assistant captain may be making a late switch.
2. Frank Onyeka – After a mixed start to life in the Premier League last year, Onyeka has fallen down the pecking order this season at the Bees.
He is yet to start a Premier League game this season and has made two substitute Premier League appearances. While it’s a long season ahead, a move to the Championship isn’t impossible with Middlesbrough knocking on the door. He may however stay back at Brentford to fight for his place.
3. Paul Onuachu – that the Genk forward is still in Belgium is as surprising as shocking. Despite performing excellently scoring 54 goals in two seasons, he has not been able to complete a move until now. Although it’s difficult to see clubs circling around Onuachu, his club manager hasn’t ruled out a move, especially with some of the club’s best players leaving already.
4. Stephen Odey – Sources close to Soccernet revealed that the former MFM star was on the verge of joining a top team in Belgium before the deal fell through over valuation. Odey starred for Randers last season and is still open to leaving the club if the right offer comes in.
5. Shehu Abdullahi – currently unattached, Abdullahi is free to move anytime he finds a suitable club. His contract with Omonia Nicosia has since expired and he hasn’t renewed his contract at the club.
6. Oghenekaro Etebo – It’s been a difficult one year of club football for the former Getafe midfielder and he may be making a move soon to find a new lease of life. While injuries cut short his performance at Watford last season in the Premier League, he’s also yet to fully get in shape at his parent club, Stoke City. The coming hours will tell where the midfielder will spend the next one year.
7. Olanrewaju Kayode – With playing time not certain at Shakhtar Donetsk and the current troubles in Ukraine, Kayode may still be looking for a loan or permanent move away from the club. He was on loan at Sivasspor last season and performed decently. Another Turkish experience may not be out of order for the former Manchester City recruit.
