Villarreal want Abuja-born star who dumped Nigeria for Canada

Ikechukwu Uche, Samuel Chukwueze and Arnaut Danjuma are players with Nigerian roots who have made their marks at Villarreal

Villarreal are closing in on a deal to sign Canadian striker Tani Oluwaseyi, with the forward expected to arrive in Spain before the transfer window shuts.

The 25-year-old, who was born in Abuja but moved to Canada as a child, has become a standout figure in Major League Soccer with Minnesota United.

His rise has caught the attention of the La Liga side, who are eager to add firepower to their attack following injuries to key forwards. Reports in Spain suggest the transfer fee will be under €5m, with Oluwaseyi believed to have agreed personal with Villarreal.

Oluwaseyi has played all his football so far in the United States but it could be time to make the giant leap to Europe.

Oluwaseyi played college football at St. John's Red Storm before signing his first professional contract with Manhattan SC in 2021.

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He stayed briefly at NY Pancyprian-Freedoms after which he made the switch to Minnesota in 2022. 

After impressing on loan at San Antonio FC, where he scored 16 goals, he broke into Minnesota’s senior squad and quickly established himself as a reliable goalscorer.

On the international stage, he opted to represent Canada rather than Nigeria, scoring his first goal for the national team in 2024 in a Nations League win against the United States.

At 188cm, he provides a physical presence in the box and has built a reputation for his hold-up play and finishing ability. Villarreal believe he is an ideal fit for their tactical setup as they attempt to cover for the absence of Gerard Moreno. His arrival would represent the club’s sixth signing of the summer, with Villarreal still keen on adding at least one more striker before the deadline.

Although Oluwaseyi is under contract with Minnesota until 2027, negotiations between the two clubs are progressing smoothly, and there is confidence a deal will be reached soon.

The move could also have an impact on Villarreal’s current squad, with winger Etta Eyong potentially allowed to leave should Oluwaseyi complete his switch to Spain.

For Nigerian fans, the move may spark mixed emotions. Having been born in Abuja, Oluwaseyi was once eligible to wear the green and white of the Super Eagles, but he instead chose Canada, making his debut in 2024 and cementing his international allegiance at the Copa América later that summer.