Union Berlin eye Nigerian midfielder outperforming Galatasaray’s Torreira in Turkey

German Bundesliga club Union Berlin have tabled an official offer for Göztepe’s Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis, reports Soccernet.ng.

​Dennis has established himself as one of the most consistent midfielders in Turkey over the past two seasons.

After becoming a mainstay in the Göztepe engine room last term, the young midfielder was heavily linked with several clubs outside the Süper Lig.

He was very close to joining Belgian giants Anderlecht, but the deal collapsed after the club failed to meet Göztepe's valuation.

​The 21-year-old defensive midfielder has reached new heights this season, starting 15 Süper Lig games and contributing three goals.

Asides from his goal contributions, his major selling point is his incredible work rate and massive defensive contributions.

According to VT Spor, Dennis is currently the top-ranked player in the league for winning possession in the opponent's half—outperforming established stars like Eyüpspor’s Kerem Demirbay and Galatasaray’s Lucas Torreira.

​Union Berlin’s Table Opening Bid For Anthony Dennis

​Reports from SleeperFootballNews indicate that Union Berlin have formally contacted Göztepe to negotiate a deal.

Union Berlin have opened talks with Göztepe for Anthony Dennis. ️⏳

The first €6.5m bid was rejected, with the Turkish club demanding €10m for the Nigerian midfielder. ❌

Union are aiming to close the deal for around €7–8m. pic.twitter.com/dfiGvLXPGt

— SleeperFootballNews (@SleeperFootNews) December 28, 2025

The German side has already seen an opening bid of €6.5 million rejected, as Göztepe considers the Nigerian a key asset and value him at around €10 million.

​While Union Berlin are keen on the transfer, they have reportedly informed the Turkish club that they are unwilling to exceed an €8 million valuation.

​Göztepe currently hold a strong hand in negotiations, with Dennis under contract until 2027.

Also, Union Berlin faces stiff competition for his signature. Per Transfermarkt, the midfielder has attracted interest from heavyweights including Galatasaray, Brighton & Hove Albion, Atalanta, and RB Leipzig.

​The Kaduna-born midfielder has enjoyed a stunning rise over the last two years, progressing from Göztepe’s youth academy to becoming an important player in the senior team.

His market value accentuates this growth, soaring from just €25,000 in 2023 to €5 million b

​Despite his brilliant displays at Goztepe, Dennis is yet to receive a Super Eagles call-up. However, if he secures a big move to a club in one of Europe’s top five leagues, a maiden invitation to the national team likely won't be far away.