Bologna, Trabzonspor battle Sevilla for Super Eagles’ next Osimhen

Sevilla, Bologna and Trabzonspor are locked in a transfer battle for Nigeria-eligible striker George Ilenikhena who is pushing for a return to European football, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 20-year-old joined Al-Ittihad from Monaco for €30 million in February 2026. The move was meant to give the young forward a bigger role, but his first months in Saudi Arabia have been difficult. Strong competition for places and tactical decisions have left him with limited playing time.

Ilenikhena has still shown his quality when given a chance. On Tuesday, he scored twice against Al-Najma in the King’s Cup while playing for one hour. His two goals came at a key point in his attempt to change his situation at the club.

The striker now wants to leave Saudi Arabia and return to Europe before the transfer window closes. That desire has attracted several clubs, with Sevilla now making a serious push.

Sevilla face competition from Bologna and Trabzonspor

According to FootMercato, Bologna have already tested Al-Ittihad with a loan offer that includes a €22 million purchase option. The Saudi club rejected it. Trabzonspor then tried a similar deal, but their proposed €15 million purchase option was also turned down.

Sevilla have taken a different route. FM reports that the Spanish club has made an oral offer of €10 million, plus €3 million in bonuses and a significant percentage of any future sale. Al-Ittihad want about €20 million, with a large payment made at the start of the deal.

The Saudi club is not completely against a sale. Al-Ittihad need fresh money, which could give Sevilla room to negotiate.

The decision now rests largely on the transfer fee. Sevilla must improve their proposal or find a structure that satisfies Al-Ittihad, while Bologna and Trabzonspor wait for an opening.

A return to Europe could also be important for Ilenikhena's Nigeria ambitions. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has targeted Ilenikhena as a young alternative to Victor Osimhen and sees similarities between the two strikers. Reports in Nigeria say Chelle has worked for months to bring Ilenikhena into the Super Eagles set-up.