Hafiz Ibrahim: Turkish Super Lig side eye former Chelsea trialist – report

Turkish Super Lig side, Hatayspor, are reportedly eyeing a move for Nigerian forward, Hafiz Ibrahim, who is currently donning the colours of French club Stade Reims, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Reports suggest that Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s club earlier tabled an offer to sign the player on loan for the second stanza of the 2024-25 season campaign.

However, since the January transfer window for the Turkish league closes on the 11th of February, chances are slim that the Kano-born player will be heading to Turkey on a loan move.

It would be recalled that the young Nigerian striker observed a two-week trial with the Stamford Bridge outfit, Chelsea, following an impressive performance at the Viareggio Cup, where he netted ten goals in six matches.

 

The trial of the Nigerian player was reportedly facilitated by Chelsea-owned forward Raheem Sterling, who played a key role in convincing Ibrahim to join the Blues at the time.

Meanwhile, things did not go well between Ibrahim’s representative and the London-based club, which saw him eventually seal a deal to join Stade Reims.

Since joining in August, Ibrahim has been playing for the Stade Reims B side, and has scored eight goals in seven matches in the fifth tier of the French football system.

Moreover, the 19-year-old Nigerian forward made his first professional appearance for Stade Reims’ senior team during their 3-1 victory over AZ Mutzig in a French Cup clash. In that match, Hafiz Ibrahim came on as a substitute for Niama Pape Sissoko.

As of now, there has been no official statement regarding his potential transfer from France to Turkey. However, the soon-to-be 20-year-old is expected to be among the players considered for a move in the next summer window.