Monaco and Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad are closing in on a deal that could see Nigerian forward George Ilenikhena become the most expensive teenage footballer in the country’s history, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to transfer market insider Fabrice Hawkins, the two clubs have reached an agreement in principle, with Al Ittihad prepared to pay a fee in the region of €33m for the highly-rated 19-year-old. Discussions between the clubs are said to be complete, leaving the Saudi giants to finalise personal terms with the player.
Ilenikhena, who only joined Monaco in 2024, has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young attackers in French football. His pace, strength and eye for goal have made him an attractive long-term option for Al Ittihad, who are already planning for life beyond Karim Benzema. The former Real Madrid striker is expected to leave the club following contractual disagreements, while N’Golo Kanté is also close to a move to Fenerbahçe.
Despite potential departures, Al Ittihad still boast significant attacking depth, including former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn and ex-Aston Villa forward Moussa Diaby. The club, however, see Ilenikhena as a forward capable of leading the next phase of their project.
Should the transfer be completed at the reported figure, Ilenikhena would surpass Kelechi Iheanacho as Nigeria’s most expensive teenager. Iheanacho was barely 20 when Leicester City paid around €28m to sign him from Manchester City in 2017. Previous holders of the record include John Obi Mikel (€20m), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (€4.75m), Nwankwo Kanu (€3.93m) and Sunday Oliseh (€1.5m).
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George Ilenikhena: From Nigeria to Saudi via Monaco
The proposed move would usher in another remarkable chapter in Ilenikhena’s fast-moving career.
Born in Lagos, he relocated to France at the age of three and grew up in Antony, near Paris. He began his football journey at amateur side Antony Football Evolution before joining Amiens ahead of the 2021–22 season.
At Amiens, his goal-scoring exploits at youth level quickly caught the eye. He scored 24 goals for the club’s under-17 side and featured prominently in the Coupe Gambardella, attracting interest from clubs across Europe while still just 15.
Ilenikhena made his senior debut for Amiens in November 2022 in a Coupe de France tie, before moving to Belgian champions Royal Antwerp in June 2023 for a reported €6m.
Later that year, he announced himself on the European stage by scoring a dramatic late winner against Barcelona in the Champions League.
Monaco secured his signature in July 2024, and he has continued his upward trajectory in Ligue 1. Now, just over a year on, a record-breaking transfer may be about to seal his status as one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents.
