Official: Real Sociedad gain as FC Bayern snap up Nigerian star Imade

Nigerian striker Edna Imade has completed a high-profile move to German giants FC Bayern Women, with an immediate loan move to Real Sociedad.

The 24-year-old attacker, who played for Granada in Spain’s top division last season, has signed a long-term contract with Bayern that will keep her at the club until June 2029.

However, the club has confirmed that Imade will spend the upcoming 2025–26 season on loan at Real Sociedad to continue her development.

Bayern’s Director of Women’s Football, Bianca Rech, shed light on the qualities that attracted the Bavarian club to Imade, one of Nigeria’s most valuable women footballers.

“Edna brings an exciting profile to the table – she’s fast, physically strong and versatile in attack. After her impressive season in Spain, we now want to continue her positive development in the long term,” Rech said.

Rech also explained the rationale behind the loan move, describing it as a mutually beneficial decision.

“In consultation with her and those close to her, we’ve decided to let her go out on loan. She’s an open-minded, ambitious player – we’re convinced she’ll give us a lot of joy in the future.”

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Imade, who was born in Morocco to Nigerian parents and raised in Spain, expressed her pride in joining Bayern.

“I’m incredibly happy and proud to have signed my contract with FC Bayern Women. The club’s history makes it one of the biggest and most important clubs in the world, so I’m looking forward to being a part of the club myself in the future and contributing to its success.”

She described the move as validation for her perseverance and hard work.

“For me personally, this step is one of the most important in my career so far and shows me that the hard work I have put in over the past few years has paid off.”

A powerful forward capable of playing centrally or out wide, Imade added:

“In terms of my style of play, I can be deployed both in the centre and on the wings. I would describe myself as a strong header of the ball and finisher, and I’m also an absolute team player who always gives everything on the pitch.”

Imade began her career in Spain with local club Carmona before spells at Santa Ana Femenino, AD Nervión, Málaga, and Cacereño Femenino.

She joined Granada in 2023, where she made a stunning impression. This season, Imade scored 16 goals in 29 appearances to finish joint-second in the league’s scoring chart alongside Barcelona icon Alexia Putellas. She was also named the Spanish League’s Player of the Month in December.

Despite her stellar season, Nigeria’s WAFCON head coach Justin Madugu opted to leave Imade out of the squad, preferring Chioma Okafor — a lesser-known prospect born in Malawi and raised in the United States.

Eligible to represent Nigeria, Morocco, or Spain, Imade has long been considered a future star for the Super Falcons. Her move to Bayern Munich may now force a rethink.