La Liga newboys Real Oviedo monitoring Nigerian midfielder trained at Liverpool and Arsenal

The newly-promoted club are preparing for life in the Spanish topflight after a 24-year absence 

Real Oviedo are considering handing Ovie Ejaria a career lifeline as they prepare for their first season back in La Liga in over two decades, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian midfielder has been training with the newly promoted Spanish side during pre-season under head coach Veljko Paunovic, who knows the player well from their time together at Reading.

After impressing in training sessions, Ejaria is now being closely monitored for a potential contract offer that could see him become Paunovic’s eighth signing this summer.

Ovie Ejaria: What has been said of the Nigerian?

“Ovie Ejaria needs to be careful, but he was very good, I have no doubt about him,” said Paunovic as per Marca.

“When he's fit, he'll be great. We brought him in to give him a chance, we want him to stay.”

The 27-year-old playmaker has endured a torrid spell on the sidelines, with his last competitive appearance dating back to November 2022 before a serious knee injury halted his progress.

Once regarded as one of the brightest talents in British football, Ejaria came through Arsenal’s youth system before joining Liverpool in 2014, making his senior debut under Jürgen Klopp.

Is there ever been a good british dribbler? Can't think of one ngl.

— MILAGRO #raphinhaballondor (@M1L4GRO) April 29, 2025

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His early promise at Anfield drew comparisons with Steven Gerrard, and the iconic Liverpool captain even took him on loan to Rangers in Scotland in 2018.

However, despite glimpses of brilliance, inconsistency and injuries prevented him from establishing himself as a top-tier regular. Loan spells at Sunderland and Reading eventually led to a permanent move to the Royals in 2020.

Under Paunovic at Reading, Ejaria hit arguably the best form of his career, making 53 Championship appearances and contributing five goals and five assists in a single season. Known for his elegant dribbling, long-range passing, and physical presence, Ejaria remains a player with untapped potential.

Ejaria represented England at youth level, winning the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea.

That squad, often hailed as a ‘new golden generation' also featured the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Ademola Lookman, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Dominic Solanke. Lookman has since switched international allegiance to Nigeria, winning silver medal with the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023.

Ejaria himself was close to earning a call-up to the Super Eagles before injury struck.

Now a free agent, Ejaria has been without a club for nearly two years.

But Oviedo’s promotion to La Liga has opened the door for a possible top-flight return. The Spanish side secured their place in the Primera División through the playoffs, their first top-tier appearance since their relegation in 2001.

Paunovic’s familiarity with Ejaria’s abilities has played a key role in the club’s interest.

The Serbian manager appears optimistic that the midfielder can rediscover his rhythm and contribute meaningfully to Oviedo’s survival bid in the upcoming campaign.

While no official contract has been signed, Oviedo are said to be increasingly encouraged by Ejaria’s progress in training.

The final decision now rests on whether he can maintain fitness and build on the momentum gathered during pre-season.