Nigerian teenage forward Uchenna Ogundu is on the verge of completing a transfer to Turkish Super Lig side Alanyaspor after reaching a verbal agreement over a five-year deal, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to Haber Sanliurfa, the 19-year-old is expected to undergo a medical on Monday, June 23, ahead of finalising the move from second-tier outfit Şanlıurfaspor.
Ogundu had attracted widespread interest across Europe, including offers from Scottish Premiership club Hearts, but has opted to remain in Turkey to continue his rapid development.
Ogundu joined Şanlıurfaspor from Nigeria’s Diamond Academy in August 2023 and quickly made an impression.
Since making his senior debut in January, the striker has notched six goals and two assists in 19 appearances in the TFF First League. His pace, movement, and composure in front of goal have drawn praise, earning him a place on the radar of top-flight Turkish clubs including Fenerbahçe and Samsunspor.
Şanlıurfaspor forması giyen Uchenna Ogundu durdurulamıyor. pic.twitter.com/9TRh0vNCF1
— FutbolArena (@futbolarena) April 5, 2025
European clubs such as Hull City, Sturm Graz, Fortuna Sittard, and Górnik Zabrze also kept tabs on the promising forward, while Hearts were particularly keen to secure his services.
The Scottish club had identified Ogundu as a target through their data-driven recruitment partner, Jamestown Analytics.
Despite strong interest from Tynecastle, Ogundu has chosen to stay in Turkey, with Alanyaspor offering a clear development pathway and the opportunity to feature regularly in the Süper Lig from the 2025–2026 season.
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Next challenge for Nigeria's Ogundu: Alanyaspor
Alanyaspor are reportedly enthusiastic about their latest acquisition, viewing Ogundu as a long-term investment who can spearhead their attacking line in future campaigns. The club’s strategy of recruiting young, high-potential talent aligns perfectly with the Nigerian's profile.
Born in 2006, Ogundu is seen as one of the most exciting young forwards to emerge from Nigeria in recent years. His ability to link play, finish confidently, and read the game intelligently has helped him stand out in his debut season in Turkish football.
While official confirmation is expected following the medical and contract signing, Ogundu’s move has already generated excitement among Alanyaspor supporters and Turkish football fans eager to see how the Nigerian prospect will fare in the top flight.
