Super Eagles-eligible forward George Ilenikhena could be heading back to European football just six months after joining Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 19-year-old striker, who is rated highly by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, has become a transfer target for clubs in England, Italy and Germany after struggling for regular playing time in Saudi Arabia.
According to transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, West Ham United, Genoa and Schalke 04 have all made official enquiries about signing the young forward before the summer transfer window closes. Al-Ittihad are said to be willing to approve a loan deal that includes an option to buy, giving interested clubs the chance to sign a talented young attacker without paying his full transfer value immediately.
Galatasaray-linked Ilenikhena only arrived in Jeddah in February 2026 after Al-Ittihad paid AS Monaco around €33 million to secure his services. The move was expected to make him the long-term replacement for Karim Benzema, but things have not gone as planned. The teenager has made only six appearances for the Saudi club, with five coming from the bench, and he now wants a return to Europe where he believes he can play more regularly.
West Ham see him as an important addition as they prepare for life in the Championship after raising significant funds through the sales of Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes. Schalke 04, newly promoted to the Bundesliga, are also interested but prefer a loan because of his high market value. Serie A side Genoa are looking at a straight loan deal as they aim to add more pace, strength and youthful energy to their attack.
Super Eagles: Ilenikhena poised to shine for club and country
Despite being only 19, Ilenikhena has already built an impressive career across four countries. Born in Lagos before moving to France as a young child, he began his professional journey with Amiens, where he made his Ligue 2 debut at the age of 16. He soon became the youngest goalscorer in Ligue 2 history after scoring against Bordeaux.
His performances earned him a €6 million move to Belgian champions Royal Antwerp in 2023. During his only full season in Belgium, he scored 14 goals in 49 appearances and became an instant hero in the UEFA Champions League by scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner against FC Barcelona. That famous goal gave Antwerp their first-ever Champions League victory.
AS Monaco quickly signed him for €18.75 million in 2024, and he continued breaking records. He scored against Barcelona again in the Champions League, becoming Monaco's youngest-ever scorer in the competition and beating a record previously held by Kylian Mbappé. In January 2026, he also became the youngest African player to reach 15 Champions League appearances, surpassing Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu.
Across his senior career, Ilenikhena has played 125 matches and scored 26 goals for Amiens, Royal Antwerp, Monaco and Al-Ittihad. A successful return to one of Europe's top leagues could also strengthen his chances of earning a regular place in Eric Chelle's Super Eagles squad as Nigeria continue building for future international competitions.
