Anderlecht enter race for Super Eagles star snubbed by Eric Chelle for Unity Cup, Russia friendly

RSC Anderlecht have joined the growing list of clubs chasing Super Eagles defender Jordan Torunarigha, with the KAA Gent centre-back expected to leave on a free transfer this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old, whose contract with Gent expires at the end of the current campaign, has declined the club’s offers for an extension, sparking significant interest from across Europe.

French side Olympique Marseille and Bundesliga outfit Borussia Mönchengladbach are already monitoring his situation closely, while Anderlecht are now making a serious push to land the defender, as per Anderlecht-Online.

With the departures of experienced defenders Jan Vertonghen and Adryelson, Anderlecht are desperate to add maturity and stability to their backline.

Lucas Hey and Jan-Carlo Simic remain promising prospects, but both lack the high-level experience required to anchor the defence for a title-challenging campaign.

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Anderlecht enter race for Super Eagles star Jordan Torunarigha 

As a result, the Brussels club has identified defensive reinforcements within the Belgian Pro League, with KV Mechelen’s Ahmed Touba and Gent’s Torunarigha emerging as prime targets.

Torunarigha has been a standout performer since swapping Hertha Berlin for Gent in 2022.

The German-born Nigerian has made 98 league appearances for the Buffalos, playing a crucial role in both their domestic and European campaigns.

His robust tackling, aerial dominance, and composure under pressure have made him one of the most reliable defenders in the Belgian top flight.

Marseille, currently pushing for Champions League qualification, view Torunarigha as a key piece in rebuilding their defensive unit. While the French giants boast one of the most potent attacks in Ligue 1 with 62 goals, their defensive record has been far less convincing, conceding 42 goals — the most among the league’s top eight.

Torunarigha’s availability has also attracted attention from former suitors. Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Leeds United, along with Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim and Serie A’s Torino, were linked with the Nigerian last summer and may yet revive their interest as he becomes a free agent.

On the international stage, Torunarigha made his Super Eagles debut in October 2023 during a friendly victory over Mozambique. He was a member of the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

However, head coach Eric Chelle did not include the former Hertha Berlin man in the team for this month's Unity Cup or the friendly against Russia in June.