Belgian champions Antwerp FC have joined the race to secure the services of talented Super Eagles playmaker Chidera Ejuke, Soccernet.ng reports.
Having returned to the prestigious UEFA Champions League following their first league triumph since 1957, the Reds are determined to maintain their winning streak and make their mark in European football.
To bolster their attack and achieve their goals, head coach Mark Van Bommel believes that reinforcements are essential.
Currently, Antwerp’s first-team squad boasts only two strikers, Vincent Janssen and new signing George Ilenikhena.
In response to coach Bommel’s aspirations, sports director Marc Overmars has already initiated moves to acquire Chidera Ejuke, according to Nieuws365.
They will face stiff opposition from Cardiff City, with the Championship side among those who have shown interest in Ejuke.
Former AC Milan midfielder Bommel and ex-Arsenal hero Overmars see great potential in Ejuke’s versatility and unpredictability on the field.
And Overmars is actively working on bringing the Nigerian dribbling wizard to the Bosuilstadion before the transfer window closes.
Last season, Chidera Ejuke plied his trade on loan at Hertha Berlin from CSKA Moscow due to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war.
As the conflict still persists, Ejuke is hesitant to return to Russia, making a transfer to Antwerp FC a plausible option.
Adding to the intrigue, Overmars and Ejuke have crossed paths before during their time in the Netherlands. The attacker, while playing for SC Heerenveen, left a lasting impression on Overmars, who was then at Ajax.
With an estimated value of around 5.5 million euros and his contract with CSKA Moscow expiring next summer, securing Ejuke’s services could be a smart move for Antwerp FC.
The Nigeria international will be a free agent next year when his contract with CSKA expires.
